It’s hard to imagine that being the second high-ranked player in women’s tennis leaves time for much else. Yet, 30-year-old Ons Jabeur has expanded her impact beyond the court: She’s brand ambassador for Saudi fitness company Kayanee and sportswear giant ASICS, has spoken out against the atrocities happening in Gaza, and is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for The World Food Programme (WFP), an organization dedicated to end hunger. Dubbed “Tunisia’s Minister of Happiness”—because of the immense joy she brings to her people— Jabeur is famed for being a woman of firsts. The star athlete, who picked up a tennis racket as soon as she learned to walk, is the first Arab woman to reach three Grand Slam finals, the first Arab tennis player to be ranked in the world’s top 10, and the first Arab and African woman to win a WTA 1000 event. In the wake of these wildly impressive victories, Jabeur has become so much more than just a sports icon, but a source of real pride and inspiration for so many in the Arab world.
MILLE had the chance to catch up with Jabeur ahead of the 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi tournament, marking her first appearance after months of recovery from a shoulder injury that kept her off the court for half of 2024. The athlete was in Riyadh with Kayanee for an exclusive meet and greet, where we discussed everything from her music playlist to her surprising hidden talent.
If you could have any superpower on court, what would it be?
Reading people’s minds. I’d like to know what the player is going to do on court.
What songs are on your ultimate pre-match playlist?
If I’m a little nervous I try to listen to Sade to relax. But if I need to get there and be pumped— more Eminem.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of tennis?
I’m not sure… I sing very badly. I DJ a lot. I think I can get people to dance and I know their style of music. Call me for DJ’ing.
What’s your guilty pleasure when you’re not training?
I love sweets a lot. I love chocolate.
Is there a mantra or quote you live by?
I would say “be kind to one another” and “always smile.”
What initially drew you to partner with Kayanee?
We share the same values; we want to give women the chance to express themselves. Me, through my forehands and backhands, and Kayanee through the amazing outfits and fashion. It’s been a pleasure working with them and I’m looking forward to doing more with Kayanee and to inspire more women.
What’s your favorite clothing item from the brand?
I would say items, because it’s the pants and the jacket. I love them, they’re so comfy and I like to travel with them. The new collection is amazing and I feel so comfortable.
Besides tennis, what’s one dream you have for the future?
I want peace in the world.
@milleworlddotcom we caught up with the one and only @Ons Jabeur 🎾💚 #onsjabeur #tennis #tunisia #riyadh ♬ original sound – milleworlddotcom
