“It’s not a political message - it’s just humanity” -Jabeur after WTA Finals win

Ons Jabeur beat Marketa Vondrousova at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, but what should have been a joyous occasion was tainted by the war in Gaza. “Winning a tennis match doesn’t mean anything,” said Jabeur. “I cannot be happy with just this win, with what is happening. I’m sorry guys, it’s supposed to be about tennis, but it’s very frustrating looking at videos every day.”

Jabeur had to fight back tears as she spoke about seeing “horrible photos” of children dying every day, despite trying her best to avoid social media. She said that she struggled to sleep well with the war on her mind.

“I’m sorry - it’s not a political message, it’s just humanity. I want peace in this world and that’s it,” said Jabeur, who decided she would donate part of her prize money to the Palestinians in Gaza. “The worst thing is I feel hopeless, I feel like cannot do anything,” she said. “Maybe donating some money would help a little bit with what they’ve been going through, but I know that money doesn’t mean anything right now to them.”

“It’s part of my plan to be not just an athlete but also a good ambassador and a good human being because after all, the tennis career will stop and all I want to do is to help people in different situations.”