Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has confirmed she will donate part of her prize money from the Women's Tennis Association finals to Palestine, amidst the on-going conflict in Israel and Gaza.
An emotional Jabeur choked back tears post-victory over Marketa Vondrousova in Cancun on Wednesday, explaining her unhappiness and fears around the situation unfolding overseas.
"I am very happy with the win but I haven't been very happy lately," Jabeur said in an on-court interview after the match.
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"The situation in the world doesn't make me happy … I feel like … I am sorry," she said, before stepping back from the microphone in tears.
Jabeur expressed her deep sadness at the images and videos she has seen of children being affected by the mass tragedy.
"It's very tough seeing children and babies dying every day. It's heartbreaking," she said.
"I cannot be happy with this win. I'm sorry guys, it's very frustrating looking at videos everyday."
She went on to let the crowd know where some of her winnings would be going, ensuring her fans that the gesture is not politically motivated.
"I have decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians," Jabeur said.
"It is not a political message, it is humanity, that's it. I want peace in this world. That's it."
In her press conference after the match, Jabeur was still visibly distressed, explaining that she has been struggling to sleep since the unrest broke out in October.
"I try to stay off social media as much as I can but it's very tough," Jabeur said in her press conference.
"You go through horrible photos and videos every day – it doesn't let me sleep or recover very well."
Jauber, who is the world's seventh-ranked women's singles player, expressed the guilt she feels being unable to aid those in need, hoping her prize money can be of some assistance.
"The worst thing is I feel hopeless, I feel like cannot do anything," she said.
"I wish [for] peace in this world, I wish we could restore humanity."
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