Destanee Aiava says ‘f— you’ to tennis tradition as she broadcasts retirement at 25
Australian tennis participant Destanee Aiava has introduced her retirement, labeling the game’s tradition as “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mold,” in an announcement posted on social media.
Aiava, 25, who reached a career-high world No. 147 in 2017, made the announcement that the approaching yr can be her final on tour in an explosive Instagram submit Saturday. In the submit, she mentioned tennis was like a “toxic boyfriend” and provided a “ginormous f— you” to the game’s neighborhood.
“I want to say a ginormous f— you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than,” Aiava wrote.
“F— you to the individuals who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my physique, my profession or regardless of the f— they need to nitpick. 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 the mold.”
Aiava, who has gained 10 ITF singles titles in her profession, with the latest coming on the Brisbane QTC Tennis International in November 2024, additionally paid tribute to the Pacific Islander neighborhood.
“I am deeply humbled that I have been able to inspire young boys and girls who look like me, to not be afraid to chase their dreams — no matter what the room looks like. Without you, there wouldn’t be me.
“I am proud to have been one of the few you saw on a stage that wasn’t built for us.”
“Life is not meant to be lived in misery or half assed. My ultimate goal is to be able to wake up everyday and honestly say I love what I do — which I think everyone deserves the chance at,” Aiava continued.
Aiava reached the second spherical of her residence Grand Slam in 2025, dropping to Danielle Collins of the US in an enthralling match and drawing consideration to her rotation of iconic Grand Slam outfits from outdated tournaments. Aiava additionally represented Australia at that yr’s United Cup, calling her expertise on the workforce “weird and hostile” in a vlog.
Aiava made seven main-draw singles appearances in all, profitable one in all them. She didn’t make the primary draw at this yr’s Australian Open, however she did characteristic alongside fellow Australian Maddison Inglis within the doubles competitors, falling to Indonesia’s Aldila Sutjiadi and Giuliana Olmos of Mexico within the first spherical in straight units.
At the tip of her time on the event, Aiava wrote on Instagram: “I might sit right here and write a constructive caption about this week, however I’d somewhat not take part within the fakery that social media is.
“The only way I can sum it up is disappointment. 2 decades and a few dusty plates. All just feels like a waste of time.
“This feeling will pass in time but f— rn it feels like a deep dark hole I can’t get out of, maybe that’s what sport does to you.”
At the end of her retirement statement, she thanked those who had supported her.
“Thank you to everyone who’s been a loyal fan of mine, my sponsors, my family, my best friends, my partner, my cats and anyone who’s been a positive part of this 21 year journey.
“I do not know what this yr will appear to be or the place tennis matches into it. What I do know is that this chapter will finish on my phrases. And I’m actually grateful for the individuals who’ve supported me with out attempting to vary who I’m. I look ahead to moving into my subsequent section of life — one led by function, creativity and keenness. Goodbye, Destanee.”
