Tennis Star Ons Jabeur Out of Dubai Championships Following Knee Complaint

Arab tennis sensation Ons Jabeur has announced her withdrawal from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a knee injury that has been troubling her since the beginning of the year. This would have been Jabeur's ninth participation in the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament. The decision comes after persistent fitness challenges that have hindered her performance on the court.

The tournament's organising committee released a statement expressing their regret over Jabeur's withdrawal, acknowledging her strong connection with the event and the significant Arab support she receives. "Regrettably, Ons Jabeur has had to pull out of this year’s tournament. We know how much this event means to her, playing in front of a strong Arab support. We wish her all the best in her recovery from injury and look forward to seeing her back in Dubai very soon," the statement read.

In a heartfelt message to her supporters, Jabeur shared the extent of her struggle with the injury. "Dear friends and family, I wanted to share with you all that my knee is not holding, it’s been unbearable to play with the pain and not being able to give my best on the court is frustrating," she said. Following consultations with her medical team, Jabeur has opted for further medical treatments, sidelining her from the Dubai tournament. She expressed eagerness to return for the US swing and thanked her fans for their ongoing support.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a highlight on the international tennis calendar, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free. Despite Jabeur's absence, tickets for both the women’s WTA tournament and the men’s ATP event remain available for purchase at www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.

Jabeur's withdrawal is a significant loss for the tournament, given her status as World No6 and a fan favourite in Dubai. Her presence has always brought excitement to the courts, showcasing the best of Arab talent in tennis. As she focuses on recovery and treatment, fans and organisers alike will be eagerly anticipating her return to competition, hoping for a swift and successful recovery.

With inputs from WAM