PARIS, France (AFP) — Former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur announced that she was going to “take a step back and finally put myself first,” after two difficult years on the circuit.

“For the last two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges. But deep down, I haven’t felt really happy on the court for some time now,” the 30-year-old three-time Grand Slam finalist explained on social media.

“Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it’s time to step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living,” added the Tunisian world No. 71.

In June, Jabeur was forced to retire from the first round at Wimbledon, having already lost her opener a few weeks earlier at the French Open.

“I wasn’t expecting not to feel good. I have been practicing pretty well the last few days,” said Jabeur, who did not specify the reason for her withdrawal.

“These things happen. I’m pretty sad. It doesn’t really help me with my confidence.”

After losing in Paris, Jabeur spoke of the strain the sport can exert on players.

“Pushing through injury I’ve been doing, like, my whole life,” she said.

“We have a lot of guilt inside us, saying we’re not doing enough or it’s not enough, the pressure from sponsors, the pressure from the ranking, the pressure of providing... some players provide for their families as well.