Stepping outside one’s comfort zone is never easy. Especially when someone has built their forte around a particular sport. Ons Jabeur is no different in that regard. However, nothing is stopping her from exploring the world outside of tennis, if not actively performing in it. Thankfully, Jabeur’s interests have been smoothened over by her husband.

Jabeur is currently in preparation for her Canadian Open campaign. Before commencing her Northern America hardcourt swing, the Tunisian made an appearance on the Match Point Canada podcast. While touching down on a variety of topics, the former World No. 2 disclosed opening herself to the sporting world outside tennis while spectating different games at the Paris Olympics. To much amazement, it houses her keen interest in gymnastics!

She highlighted that her in-laws’ history with gymnastics has prompted her to learn about the sport. Notably, she admitted that she has grown fond of the highly-intense athletics. “I’ve been watching a lot of gymnastics, to be honest with you, which I never did before. I’ve been understanding a little bit. My the my father in law used to do gymnastics. My sister-in-law as well. And so my husband loves gymnastics, he was explaining to me how it works. And, yeah, pretty impressed with that. I’m an understanding better and honestly, discovering different sports as well.”

The World No. 16’s newfound love for the sport seemingly has a reason. Jabeur has been in a constant battle with a recurring knee injury. Nevertheless, Jabeur aimed not to fret due injuries concerns and hopes to carry on despite facing such troubles.

“Medically I need to give it a little bit of time. It is what it is. The knee, it’s always going to bother me and I’m always going to play with it.”. However, regardless of her optimism, she was sidelined from the Olympic event this season.

Ons Jabeur was forced to skip the 2024 Paris Olympics

Ons Jabeur would’ve been one of the leading contenders for an elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics had she been astray of physical concerns. However, that wasn’t the case. The Tunisian star has had a tough season battling with a knee injury, hampering her performance on the Tour. This also resulted in her non-attendance from the quadrennial event.

A fortnight ago, the 29-year-old announced her withdrawal from the Paris Games. After extensively discussing her options with her medical team, Jabeur was advised not to change surfaces. Further, she expressed her fitness concerns and aimed to keep her knee in good shape. “After consulting with my medical team, we have decided that the quick change of surface and the body’s adaptation required would put my knee at risk and jeopardize the rest of my season. Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.”

For the uninitiated, the former World No. 2’s biggest title on the clay courts came at the 2022 Madrid Open. Moreover, despite injury scares, Jabeur managed to reach the last eight of the Roland Garros.

The Tunisian will lock horns with Japanese sensation Naomi Osaka in the Canadian Open’s opener on Wednesday, August 7. If she manages to muster a formidable performance, chances are she might flip her fate this season at the US Open!