LONDON:

Tunisia's former world number two announced on Monday that she is expecting her first child and will take an extended break from professional tennis.

"I took a little break to reset and recharge ... Turns out, we’ve been planning the cutest comeback ever,” the three-times Grand Slam runner-up, known as the "Minister of Happiness", posted on Instagram.

The 31-year-old, currently ranked 79th, added that she would be setting aside her career temporarily to focus on her new family life, as she is expecting a baby boy in April.

Jabeur, who has won five WTA singles titles during her career, has been open about her struggles with depression amid a demanding tour schedule and her announcement comes amid ongoing concerns over the strenuous tennis calendar.

See Full Page