Australian Tennis Star Destanee Aiava Announces Retirement with Blunt Critique of Sport
Australian tennis favourite Destanee Aiava has made the stunning announcement that she will retire from professional tennis this year, delivering a powerful and emotional statement that includes sharp criticism of what she describes as the sport's most negative aspects. The 25-year-old Victorian player, currently ranked 321st in the world with a career-high ranking of 147th, revealed her decision in a lengthy social media post on Saturday.
The Breaking Point
Aiava telegraphed her impending retirement last month following her loss in Australian Open qualifying, when she expressed that "all this just feels like a waste of time." In her detailed retirement announcement, Aiava bared her soul about the psychological toll of professional tennis, describing the sport as her "toxic boyfriend" and revealing how her career trajectory changed dramatically after "trusting the wrong people" when she was just 17 years old.
"Sometimes I kept playing because I felt like I owed it to not only myself but to everyone who had helped me throughout my career, to try and get back to where I belonged," Aiava wrote. "Other times I kept going because I was too scared to start again. I also didn't know who I was outside of tennis and what my true passion was."
Gratitude and Grief
The tennis star expressed mixed emotions about her career, acknowledging both the benefits and costs of her professional journey. "That said, tennis gave me many things I can only be grateful for," she wrote, listing international travel, lifelong friendships, and a platform to share her story among the positives. However, she also detailed significant personal costs, including damage to her relationship with her body, her health, her family connections, and her self-worth.
Aiava has been remarkably open about her mental health struggles in recent years, including her heartbreaking revelation that she attempted to take her own life in 2022. Later that same year, she experienced severe panic attacks and received a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, adding further context to her decision to leave professional tennis.
Blunt Criticism of Tennis Culture
In perhaps the most striking section of her announcement, Aiava delivered a series of pointed criticisms aimed at various aspects of tennis culture. "I want to say a ginormous f*** you to everyone in the tennis community who's ever made me feel less than," she declared, specifically calling out online gamblers who have sent her hate messages and death threats.
She continued with a broader critique of the sport's culture: "And f*** you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values. Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that's racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn't fit its mould."
Looking Forward with Purpose
Aiava expressed both fear and optimism about her future beyond tennis. "I'm 25, turning 26 this year, and I feel so far behind everyone else, like I'm starting from scratch," she admitted. "But that's better than living a life that's misaligned, or being around constant comparison and losing yourself."
The tennis star paid special tribute to her fans and the Pacific Islander community, expressing pride in her role as a trailblazer. "I am deeply humbled I have been able to inspire young girls and boys who look like me, to not be afraid to chase their dreams — no matter what the room looks like," she wrote, acknowledging her historic significance as one of the few Pacific Islander athletes in elite tennis.
A Career Ending on Her Terms
Aiava vowed to conclude her tennis career with dignity and agency. "What I do know is that this chapter will end on my terms," she declared. "I look forward to stepping into the next phase of life — one led by purpose, creativity and passion."
The announcement has drawn significant attention within the tennis community, with US Open champion Sloane Stephens commenting with three love hearts on Aiava's post. Fans have praised Aiava for her honesty and courage in speaking openly about mental health challenges and systemic issues within professional sports.
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