Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Ons Jabeur Reveals Depression Amid Demanding WTA Tennis Schedule
Imagine a super busy job where you have to travel all the time and play a game almost every day, with no real breaks.
That's kind of how professional tennis can be!
A famous player named Ons Jabeur, who is usually very happy and called the 'Minister of Happiness,' felt really sad and tired.
She realized the constant schedule was making her depressed and her body was tired.
So, she decided to take a break and make sure she only plays when she feels good.
She hopes the people in charge of tennis will make the schedule less intense for all the players.
Other players have also had to stop playing because it's too much.
It’s important for her to be happy and healthy, even if it means playing less.
Ons Jabeur, known as the 'Minister of Happiness,' has revealed she suffered from depression and burnout due to the WTA's demanding tennis schedule.
She criticized the packed calendar, stating 'the schedule is killing everyone' and that the addition of more tournaments and longer events is 'too much'.
Jabeur has decided to take control of her schedule and prioritize her mental and physical health.
Top players are obligated to compete in a set number of Grand Slams and WTA 1000/500 events, facing ranking point penalties for skipping them.
Several other prominent players have also cut their seasons short, citing concerns about the demanding tour schedule.
- Who
- Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up and former world number two, known as the 'Minister of Happiness'
- What
- Revealed she has battled depression and burnout due to the demanding WTA tennis schedule and is now prioritizing her mental health and taking control of her own schedule.
- When
- Recently, after taking a hiatus from competitive tennis in July.
- Where
- On the WTA tennis tour.
- Why
- The punishing and packed tennis calendar is described by Jabeur as 'killing everyone' and is overwhelming, leading to mental and physical exhaustion.
Player Concerns
WTA Stance
Schedule Intensity
Player Concerns
Players like Ons Jabeur believe the current tennis schedule is 'killing everyone' and is 'too much,' with a desire for fewer tournaments and shorter events, especially consecutive WTA 1000 events.
WTA Stance
The WTA states athlete welfare is its top priority and claims to listen to player feedback on the calendar structure, with efforts to improve it for 2024.
Player Obligations
Player Concerns
Top players feel obligated to compete in multiple Grand Slams and WTA 1000/500 events, facing penalties for skipping them, which adds to the pressure.
WTA Stance
The WTA rules mandate participation in a certain number of events, with ranking points penalties for non-compliance, aiming to ensure top-level competition.
- Player
- Ons Jabeur
- Known For
- 'Minister of Happiness'
- Health Issue
- Depression and burnout
- Reason
- Grueling and congested WTA tennis schedule
- Action Taken
- Prioritizing mental health and taking control of her schedule
- Other Affected Players Mentioned
- Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina, Paula Badosa
- Mandatory Events
- All four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, and six WTA 500 events
