As Ons Jabeur continues her quest for further sporting success, there’s more on the Tunisian star’s mind than just tennis.
Her appointment in 2024 as an ambassador for the World Food Programme (WFP) has given the three-time Grand Slam finalist a chance “to do some good”, particularly in the empowerment of women.
“I wanted to be able to use my platform and represent the woman I am and where I come from, to try to make a change in the world,” Jabeur told BBC Sport Africa before International Women’s Day, which is on Saturday.
While highlighting global food insecurity is part of her work with the WFP, the 30-year-old says the focus on women is also key.
“People think it [the WFP] is only related to food, but it’s also education and helping women.
“When you help women, they get the opportunity to work and provide for the whole family, and that’s really important.”
One of Jabeur’s first assignments was attending projects in Cairo where she saw first-hand how women were trying to improve their lives.
“I was preparing bread with one of the women and you have no idea the big heart that they have,” she said.
“She almost gave me everything that she made, and I was like, ‘No, please, you keep it. You have to sell it!’
“Even though they don’t have enough, they were very generous and that is what everyone should stand for.”
Education in vulnerable areas is another important issue for Jabeur.
“A woman went to school at a late age. I told her she was very courageous and very proud that she’s going with her kid to school, because she never had education before. That was really a great example,” said Jabeur.
‘It’s every person’s right to have a meal’
Image source: World Food Programme
Image caption: Jabeur, a goodwill ambassador with the World Food Programme, spent time with women in Cairo as part of her work
Established in 1961, the WFP is part of the United Nations and describes itself as the world’s largest humanitarian organisation.
It estimates that 343 million people around the world are acutely hungry, with 1.9 million facing famine.
Its mission to end hunger is something that appealed to Jabeur, who describes some of the food inequalities she has seen as “heartbreaking”.
“We are in 2025 right now and we’re still having hunger issues, which it shouldn’t be if we were more united and human with each other,” she said.
“I feel it’s every person’s right to have at least one meal a day.”
Jabeur’s profile has risen steadily since 2022 when she became the first African or Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final, finishing as runner-up at both Wimbledon and the US Open that year.
A practising Muslim, she has previously spoken about fasting during the holy month of Ramadan and the challenges it presents her as a sportswoman.
But she says people should remember those who struggle to break their fast every day.
“A lot of people [are] living in Ramadan the whole year, for years, and that’s very sad and disappointing in our world.”
Motherhood and tennis
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Jabeur says she was “very happy” for Belinda Bencic who won the Abu Dhabi title in February, 10 months after the birth of her baby
Jabeur is recognised as one of the most popular and supportive players on the women’s tour and was among the first to congratulate Belinda Bencic after her triumph at last month’s Abu Dhabi Open – the Swiss star’s first success since the birth of her daughter.
The Tunisian says tennis does “support” women in this area, but much more needs to be done across all sports.
“I’m just hoping the sponsors will follow,” she said.
“Because when you get pregnant you don’t get paid. It is very important to keep evolving in that and I’m sure it will happen one day.”
Bencic exhibited her motherly pride by taking her baby on to the Abu Dhabi court when collecting her trophy, and Jabeur, who has been open about her desire to start a family, would love to follow in those footsteps.
“I’m very happy for Belinda. I love her little girl, Bella. She’s very adorable. And I told her, I’m always available to babysit!
“Hopefully I can have my own child one day and show that it’s also possible to give birth and come back to play a professional sport.”
​​​​​​​Mentally strong on the comeback trail
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: One of the most popular players on the tour, Jabeur has been dubbed the ‘minister of happiness’ by her army of Tunisian fans
Jabeur is hoping to improve her form after a frustrating 2024 season which ended early because of injury.
The former world number two has slipped to 32nd in the rankings but showed signs of improvement during her run to the quarter-finals of February’s Qatar Open, beating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen along the way.
And Jabeur says looking after her mental health during her injury lay-off was vital.
“I think the mental side is most important for a tennis player,” she explained.
“I always encourage people to take care of their mental health, because that’s kind of what keeps us alive.
“The fact that I took time for myself was really important to be refreshed and come back.”
- International Women’s Day message
As Jabeur battles to balance success on the court with her humanitarian work and desire for a family, she has a message for those celebrating International Women’s Day, which takes place on 8 March every year.
“I respect all women around the world,” she said.
“I feel like woman is the toughest creature. She’s the smartest creature.
“I want to say to every woman to believe in their dreams to achieve whatever she wants to achieve. Even after getting married or giving birth to a baby, everything is possible.
“Give time for yourself because you deserve that and hopefully we can see a lot of successful women around the world.”