Ronnie O’Sullivan, the seven-time World Snooker Champion, is facing a daunting challenge that threatens to end his illustrious career. The 49-year-old has been diagnosed with a severe case of tennis elbow, a condition that has plagued him intermittently since 2021. However, recent flare-ups have intensified the situation, leading O’Sullivan to admit that if the injury persists, it could “potentially be career-threatening” for his top-level play .([Express][1])
O’Sullivan’s struggles with the injury have been compounded by mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. These issues have led to multiple withdrawals from major tournaments, such as the World Grand Prix, Welsh Open, German Masters, and the Masters, where he broke his cue in frustration . Despite these setbacks, he managed to deliver a stunning 147 break during a practice session in Saudi Arabia, showcasing his enduring talent .([Sky Sports][2], [talkSPORT][3])
### Emotional Struggles and Uncertainty
O’Sullivan has openly discussed the emotional toll of his declining form, stating that he has “lost his instinctiveness” and feels “pretty scary” about his future in the sport. He has also expressed a lack of enjoyment in his recent performances, describing them as “just guess-work” and indicating a loss of passion for the game .([Sky Sports][4], [Sky Sports][5])
### A Potential Farewell
In a significant development, O’Sullivan has announced plans to relocate to the Middle East, potentially to Dubai, to start a new life away from the pressures of professional snooker . This move, coupled with his recent performances and injuries, has led many to speculate that he may be considering retirement.([The Times][6])
As of now, O’Sullivan has not officially announced his retirement. However, with the World Snooker Championship approaching and his ongoing health issues, the snooker world watches with bated breath to see if the “Rocket” will take one final shot at glory or if this will mark the end of an era.([Offaly Independent][7])
* [The Times](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ronnie-osullivan-relocate-middle-east-jpwp2h059?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/sport/3104002/ronnie-osullivan-footage-147-break-snooker-world-championship/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34535564/ronnie-o-sullivan-world-snooker-championship-dinner-snub/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/1819170/Ronnie-O-Sullivan-injury-Rocket-snooker-news?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ronnie O’Sullivan suggests injury ‘could be career-threatening’ as Rocket sparks fears | Other | Sport | Express.co.uk”
[2]: https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/13319369/ronnie-osullivan-seven-time-world-champion-wont-play-until-word-snooker-championship-at-crucible-after-withdrawing-from-world-grand-prix?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ronnie O’Sullivan: Seven-time world champion won’t play until World Snooker Championship at Crucible after withdrawing from World Grand Prix | Sky Sports”
[3]: https://talksport.com/sport/3104002/ronnie-osullivan-footage-147-break-snooker-world-championship/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Footage shows Ronnie O’Sullivan break stunning 147 in practice a week before World Championship”
[4]: https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/13351375/ronnie-osullivan-ive-lost-my-instinctiveness-and-its-pretty-scary-ahead-of-world-snooker-championship?utm_source=chatgpt.com “World Snooker Championship …”
[5]: https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12040/13051163/ronnie-osullivan-admits-he-needs-to-consider-his-future-as-he-finds-no-enjoyment-at-world-grand-prix?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ronnie O’Sullivan admits he needs to \”consider his future\” as he finds \”no enjoyment\” at World Grand Prix | Sky Sports”
[6]: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ronnie-osullivan-relocate-middle-east-jpwp2h059?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ronnie O’Sullivan to leave UK and start new life in Middle East”
[7]: https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2025/03/01/ronnie-osullivan-pulls-out-of-world-grand-prix-for-medical-reasons/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ronnie O’Sullivan pulls out of World …”