Tennis-Tunisian Jabeur targeting WTA Tour return in 2027

Former world number two ​Ons Jabeur said she ​hopes to return to ‌professional tennis ​in 2027, after the Tunisian gave birth to her first child in ‌April. Jabeur took a break from tennis last year following her first-round exit at Wimbledon, citing injuries and fatigue. She later ‌extended her break after announcing she was pregnant.

"I'm hoping ‌to come back, hopefully next year. I still don't know the exact time, but very soon," the three-times Grand Slam runner-up told The ⁠National ​in an interview ⁠published on Wednesday. "I'm still discovering ... my body is a bit changed ⁠after the delivery, but I'm definitely coming back and hoping to ​stay a few more years on tour before actually ⁠retiring.

"I'm enjoying everything with my son. He actually comes with me when ⁠I ​train. I'm trying to come back slowly." The 32-year-old, dubbed by fans as the "Minister of Happiness" for her ⁠cheerful personality, has won five WTA titles and became the first ⁠Arab woman ⁠to reach a Grand Slam final in 2022, finishing runner-up at Wimbledon to Elena Rybakina.