Ever wondered who keeps some of the world’s top athletes in shape—both physically and mentally? In the case of tennis sensation Ons Jabeur, that person is Karim Kamoun. While he’s often referred to as her husband, Karim is far more than a supportive spouse. He’s a former professional athlete himself, a qualified fitness coach, and a key figure in Jabeur’s impressive rise to tennis stardom.
In 2025, Karim Kamoun is being recognised more widely—not just as the man by her side, but as a powerhouse in his own right.
A Quick Look: Who Is Karim Kamoun?
On December 22, 1986, Karim Kamoun was born in Tunis, Tunisia. With Russian and Tunisian heritage, he grew up immersed in sport and culture, eventually finding his calling in fencing. Representing Tunisia internationally, he carved out a respectable career before transitioning into fitness coaching. Today, he’s best known for his role in Team Jabeur—as both coach and life partner.
However, Karim’s quest is far more complex than it first appears.
From Fencing Champion to Coach
Long before he joined the global tennis circuit as a coach, Karim Kamoun was competing on the piste as a professional fencer. He specialised in épée and represented Tunisia at multiple regional championships, including the Pan Arab Games and African Fencing Championships.
Fencing requires sharp reflexes, strategic thinking, and physical endurance—all traits that have served him well in his second career. After retiring from professional competition, Karim didn’t just leave sport behind—he doubled down on it. He pursued a Master’s degree in sport performance science, sharpening the academic side of his training knowledge.
This unique blend of experience and education makes Karim far more than just a gym coach. He’s a strategist, mentor, and wellness expert—all rolled into one.
How Karim Met Ons Jabeur
Karim and Ons tied the knot in 2015. What began as a personal relationship soon became a professional partnership, too. The two have struck a rare balance in the world of elite sport—managing to blend marriage with a high-pressure training environment.
Rather than overshadow her success, Karim stands beside Ons—quietly, consistently, and purposefully helping her fine-tune every aspect of her game.
He’s not just her fitness trainer; he’s part of her foundation. Their synergy is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect, which is exactly what makes their partnership so effective.
What Exactly Does Karim Do for Ons?
Karim’s role in Ons Jabeur’s career is multifaceted. He’s responsible for:
- Crafting her fitness and conditioning programmes
- Reducing injury risks with tailored recovery plans
- Supporting her through the mental ups and downs of competition
- Helping prepare for high-stakes tournaments
Karim travels with Ons to tournaments worldwide, ensuring she remains in peak physical condition. In moments of pressure, his calming presence has often been described as a secret weapon.
In fact, when Ons made her historic run to the Wimbledon final in 2022, she publicly credited Karim’s training routines for her stamina during long matches.
What’s Karim Kamoun Up To in 2025?
Fast forward to 2025, and Karim is still deeply involved in Ons’s journey—but he’s also expanding his own reach. He’s recently been mentoring aspiring Tunisian coaches through seminars and online courses, using his platform to uplift sport science across North Africa.
The couple were recently spotted training in Dubai, preparing for another challenging season ahead. Fans online praised their discipline and chemistry, noting how seamlessly they work together.
Karim has also hinted at plans to launch an athletic performance brand focused on recovery tools and fitness education for athletes in developing nations.
Life on Social Media
Karim Kamoun keeps a relatively low profile online, especially compared to other high-profile athlete-partners. You’ll find him on Instagram, where he shares snippets of training sessions, travel photos, and the occasional cheeky gym selfie.
His feed is refreshingly free of drama, which only adds to his reputation as a grounded, focused professional. He clearly prefers to let his work—and Ons’s results—do the talking.
Karim Kamoun’s Training Philosophy
If you’re looking for takeaways from Karim’s methods, here are some key principles he follows:
1. Prioritise Core Strength
Whether you’re playing tennis or just want to avoid back pain, Karim emphasises the importance of core stability. It’s the centre of every movement, after all.
2. Respect Recovery
Karim believes rest days aren’t optional—they’re essential. He builds in time for stretching, hydration, sleep, and even mindfulness to keep the body and brain aligned.
3. Phase Your Training
He follows a periodised approach, meaning workouts are carefully planned around performance peaks. This prevents burnout and helps players peak at the right moments.
4. Train the Mind Too
Karim incorporates visualisation and breathing techniques into training sessions. His approach is holistic—strong muscles mean little without mental clarity.
Real-World Example: Wimbledon 2022
Let’s rewind to a defining moment. When Ons Jabeur reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, it was a career-defining achievement for her—and a significant milestone for Karim, too.
He was courtside the entire time, offering quiet support. Behind the scenes, his training and conditioning plans had played a huge part in ensuring she could go toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
It wasn’t just about physical preparation. As Ons later revealed, Karim helped her stay focused, calm, and positive throughout the high-pressure fortnight.
A New Model of Sporting Partnership
Karim Kamoun represents a refreshing shift in the world of elite sport. Rather than chasing the limelight, he’s built his own path—quietly but expertly supporting Ons while staying true to his own career and goals.
In a sport where players often cycle through multiple trainers and team members, the stability Karim provides is invaluable. It also proves that success doesn’t just come from talent—it comes from teamwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Karim Kamoun?
Karim Kamoun is a Tunisian former fencer turned fitness coach, widely recognised for training and supporting tennis star Ons Jabeur, who is also his wife.
When did Karim and Ons get married?
The couple got married in 2015 and have since worked together both on and off the tennis court.
What’s Karim’s background?
Karim has a master’s degree in sport performance science and was a national-level épée fencer before transitioning into coaching.
Is Karim Kamoun still involved in fencing?
No, he retired from competitive fencing but remains active in the sporting world as a coach and mentor.
Where can I follow Karim Kamoun online?
You can find him on Instagram, where he shares updates from their training, travels, and life behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
Karim Kamoun might not be the one hitting aces or smashing forehands, but his influence on Ons Jabeur’s career is undeniable. From athlete to coach, and husband to business mentor, Karim’s story shows how dedication, humility, and quiet confidence can shape greatness from the sidelines.
In a world that often overlooks the support systems behind elite performers, Karim stands out as someone whose role deserves more spotlight. And as Ons Jabeur continues her charge towards more Grand Slam finals, you can be sure Karim will be right there—planning, training, and supporting her every step of the way.
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