tag

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis player and two-time Wimbledon runner-up, has joined Qatar Foundation (QF) as the international ambassador of its Creating Pathways programme, with tennis introduced as the initiative’s final sport.Tennis joins track and field, basketball, volleyball, and fencing in the Creating Pathways programme, which was launched as part of QF’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 legacy plans. The five-sport programme aims to expand opportunities for women and girls, develop local athletic talent, and create sustainable pathways from grassroots participation to high-performance sport. A key component of this programme is identifying role models for young girls from Qatar and the region to relate and look up to.Jabeur is the first Arab and African woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final and the highest-ranked Arab and African player in history. Her success has inspired millions, broken barriers, and expanded what young people – especially girls – believe is possible. Beyond the court, she is a powerful advocate for women in sport and for humanitarian causes.Speaking about why she joined QF’s Creating Pathways programme, Jabeur said: “I was inspired by the programme’s focus on empowering young people, especially girls, and creating real opportunities through sport and education. It reflects my own journey and values, and being part of it allows me to give back in a meaningful way.“I hope girls see that sport can build confidence, discipline, and belief in themselves. Through tennis, they can discover their potential and feel empowered to dream big on the court and beyond. I want to help create a future where girls have equal opportunities, feel confident and supported, and are free to dream big, both in sport and in life, knowing they truly belong.”The programme is open to girls aged under 16, and in addition to on-court development, it takes a holistic approach, educating young people on the importance of regular exercise, proper nutrition and overall wellbeing.“Inspirational sporting figures like Ons Jabeur epitomise what it means, and what it takes, to be a champion in both sport and life,” said Alanoud al-Mesnad, executive director, Women’s and Girls’ Sports, QF. “The stories and successes of Ons and all our program ambassadors educate, motivate, and energise our Creating Pathways participants as they pursue their goals of reaching sport’s elite level.”During this week’s National Sport Day, Jabeur led several activations at Education City celebrating sport, as part of QF’s contribution to the nationwide showcase of the benefit of sporting participation and active, healthy living. 

Former world number two Ons Jabeur is pregnant with her first child, a boy who will be born in April, she has announced.The 31-year-old Tunisian, twice a beaten Wimbledon finalist, decided to take a break in her career in July after two injury-plagued years and is now ranked 79th.Below a photo of her and husband Karim Kamoun holding a Wimbledon-branded baby onesie, Jabeur posted on Instagram late Monday: “Took a little break to reset and recharge... Turns out, we’ve been planning the cutest comeback ever.“The court will have to wait a little longer, because soon... we’ll be welcoming our tiniest teammate. Baby boy joining the team in April.”Jabeur is the highest-ranking player from an Arab nation in WTA history. In addition to her exploits at Wimbledon, she was also the beaten finalist in the 2022 US Open.Kamoun, who works as a fitness trainer and is a former professional fencer, has been married to Jabeur since 2015. The tennis world responded to Jabeur’s announcement with immense excitement, flooding social media with well-wishes. Notable responses included a congratulatory message from the official Wimbledon account and three heart-eyes emojis from Czech star Karolína.