Hungarian tennis star Timea Babos has outlined a clear yet emotionally complex roadmap for the next chapter of her career, revealing plans to step away from competition to start a family before targeting a comeback in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Hungarian Tennis Association, Babos said the WTA’s increasing support for motherhood has made it possible for her to consider both a pause and a return.
Before that, however, the four-time Grand Slam doubles champion hopes for one more surge on tour, though she admits uncertainty surrounds her immediate schedule.
Timea Babos: Doubles Champion
The Hungarian tennis player, a former world number one in doubles and a four-time Grand Slam champion, secured four tournament victories this year with her partner, Brazilian, Luisa Stefani, who officially became her partner this season – winning one WTA 250 event and three WTA 500 events and advanced to the final of the year-end WTA World Championships in Riyadh, moving up to 13th place in the doubles world rankings.
Despite losing in the fourth world championship final of her career against the duo of Veronyika Kugyermetova and Elise Mertens, she expressed complete satisfaction with their runner-up finish.
Babos revealed that after the early 2026 season, she intends to step back from the sport to explore life beyond tennis. Together with her fiancé, she plans to start a family before plotting a return with a protected ranking for the 2028 season, with a series of warm-up tournaments leading to Olympic participation in Los Angeles.
Still, she acknowledged that many elements remain uncertain, especially regarding her plans to become a mother.
Despite the impending transition, Babos emphasised her commitment to supporting Hungarian tennis, saying she will continue contributing to the sport at home even as her priorities evolve.
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