Ons Jabeur demands explanation after tournament bosses leave players in the lurch

has demanded an explanation from International Tennis Federation bosses after they cancelled a number of tournaments in Monastir.

The Tunisian city staged eight ITF events in December 2023. But there are zero on the calendar this year.

Jabeur hails from Tunisia and often completes her pre-season training in Monastir. And she publicly called out organisers for leaving players in the lurch with no tournaments.

The three-time Grand Slam finalist was one of more than 60 people to co-sign a letter requesting to see tournaments return to Monastir in December.

Last year, there were two W25 events, two W15s and four M15s held in the city in the final month of the year. The calendar was packed, with one men's and one women's tournament held every single week.

But there are none on the schedule this year. The last men's ITF events in Monastir for 2024 were staged last week while the last women's tournament is taking place this week.

Afterwards, there will be no more opportunities to play in the Tunisian city for the rest of the season. Former world No. 2 Jabeur has now demanded an explanation from the ITF and its president, David Haggerty.

"Monastir where I do my preparation is a Tennis heaven with future champions playing ITF events," she wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"Shocked to see that events have been cancelled in december!Players are struggling already and They are working hard to get their ranking up!Care to explain @ITFTennis @HaggertyTennis ?"

Jabeur also posted a letter she co-signed with dozens of others asking to see tournaments return to Monastir in December.

It read: "Monastir is an exceptional destination for tennis, thanks to its quality infrastructure and pleasant climate in winter.

"Organising tournaments during this period could not only attract players from various backgrounds, but also contributes to the influence of tennis in the region.

"We firmly believe that these events would be beneficial for everyone, by providing players with additional competitive opportunities and promoting the engagement of young talents. Additionally, it could also boost the local economy and promote sports tourism."

The executive director of the Professional Tennis Players Association - a player organisation co-founded by Novak Djokovic - backed Jabeur's demands.

Ahmad Nassar wrote: "Tennis players at all levels have been subject to the unexplained & inexplicable whims of unaccountable power brokers in tennis for too long.

"That's why player leaders created @ptpaplayers and that's why we advocate for ALL players to get their opportunities and their fair share."