WTA Finals: Ons Jabeur to donate part of her winnings to Palestine

Ons Jabeur kept her hopes alive at the WTA Finals with a win over Marketa Vondrousova (6-4, 6-3). The result keeps alive her hopes of reaching the semi-finals. But the 29-year-old Tunisian was in no mood to celebrate after the victory. Dejected by the situation in Palestine, the world No 7 broke down in tears during her interview. She sent out a message of peace and intends to give financial support to Palestinians. "It's very hard to see children and babies dying every day. It breaks my heart. So I've decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians," said the two-time Grand Slam finalist.

"I can't be happy about this win with what's going on. I'm sorry, we're here for the tennis, but it's so frustrating," the 29-year-old added from the middle of the court. "This isn't a political message, just humanity, I want peace in the world, that's all."

Ons Jabeur says she’s donating a portion of her prize money to Palestine:

“I am very happy with the win but I haven't been very happy lately. The situation in the world doesn't make me happy... I feel like… I am sorry. It’s very tough seeing children & babies dying every day.… pic.twitter.com/fVBz9McSjU

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 2, 2023

Jabeur is among the sportspeople who have publicly expressed support for Palestine in its conflict with Israel since 7 October. On 11 October, the Madrid Masters 1000 champion publicly voiced her support for the Palestinian cause in an Instagram story. She showed solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for peace. " What Palestinians have been living through for 75 years is indescribable. What innocent civilians are going through is indescribable, whatever their religion and whatever their origins... Violence will never lead to peace... We all want to achieve peace. Peace is all we need and all we deserve. Stop the violence. Freedom for Palestine," among other things, could be read in the post.

The Israeli tennis association did not at all appreciate the Tunisian's message. It subsequently lodged a complaint with the ITF and the WTA, seeking to have the player sanctioned.

Read also: Israeli tennis association files complaint against Jabeur, Tunisia reacts