Ons Jabeur to have minor surgery, apologises to fans in Middle East for missing Doha and Dubai 'reunion'

Ons Jabeur has apologized to fans for pulling out of the upcoming Doha and Dubai Open this month owing to a minor surgery.

Jabeur, ranked third in the world, has made an underwhelming start to the season after the highs of 2022, where she made two Grand Slam finals. The Tunisian opened her campaign with a semifinal run at the Adelaide International 1 before losing to Marketa Vondrousova in the Australian Open second round.

Previously set to return to action at the Doha Open, which starts on Monday (February 13), Jabeur has suffered a setback, as she needs a 'minor surgery'. She posted on Instagram about her regret to pull out from the two Middle Eastern events and a promise to fans to return 'stronger' and 'healthy':

"In order to take care of my health situation, my medical team has decided that I need to get a minor surgery in order to be able to be back on the courts and perform well. I will have to retire (withdraw) from Doha and Dubai, and this is breaking my heart. I would like to say sorry to all the fans in the Middle East that waited for this reunion. I promise I will come back to you stronger and healthy."

Jabeur was bothered by a minor lower back injury in the build-up to the Australian Open, pulling out of the Adelaide International 2, but played the Grand Slam event.

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"I’m very glad that I’m starting something, and hopefully this will inspire other women in my region” - Ons Jabeur

Ons Jabeur enjoyed a fabulous 2022 season.

Ons Jabeur has been a trailblazer of sorts for women in the Middle East. By reaching the Wimbledon final last year, she became the first woman from the region to reach a Grand Slam final.

After losing to Elena Rybakina, Jabeur made it to the title match at the US Open, where she had the opportunity to become the first Arab player - male or female - to win a singles Grand Slam. However, the Tunisian fell short against Iga Swiatek.

Nevertheless, Jabeur hopes to continue inspiring women in her region as she reflected on the two final losses:

"I’m very glad that I’m starting something, and hopefully this will inspire other women in my region. I learnt a lot and both Wimbledon and the US Open were tough losses for me. But it always takes me time. I won my first WTA tournament after losing a few finals. Maybe it will be the same for a Grand Slam. I want to maintain a great level so I can maybe dominate the WTA tour.”

Ons Jabeur is 3-2 on the season.