TUNIS: Three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur is taking a break from competitive tennis, the 30-year-old said in a social media post on Thursday.

Tunisia`s Jabeur, the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final, has struggled with her form in recent months, failing to get past the third round of a major this year.

The two-time Wimbledon finalist`s campaign came to a disappointing end at the All England Club last month as she retired from her firstround clash against Viktoriya Tomova, unable to continue after a long medical timeout.

The former world number two suffers from asthma and experienced breathing difficulties at this year`s Australian Open.

Jabeur, often called the `minister of happiness` for her cheerful personality, said she was not feeling truly happy on the court.

`For the past two years, I`ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges. But deep down, I haven`t truly felt happy on the court for some time now,` she said in a statement.

`Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it`s time to take a step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living.

Jabeur, married to former fencer Karim Kamoun, has also been open about her wish to start a family.

`Thank you to all my fans for understanding. Your support and love mean the world to me. I carry it with me always,` she added.-Reuters