Australian Tennis Star Destanee Aiava Announces Retirement with Scathing Critique of Sport's Culture
Destanee Aiava, a 25-year-old Australian tennis professional, has confirmed she will retire from the sport this year, delivering a fiery and profanity-laden statement on Instagram that condemns tennis for fostering what she describes as a 'racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile' environment. In her lengthy post, Aiava sent a 'ginormous f*** you' to social media critics and the broader tennis community, accusing the sport of hiding behind a facade of class and gentlemanly values while perpetuating deep-seated prejudices.
Aiava's Blistering Accusations and Personal Struggles
Aiava, who failed to qualify for the Australian Open singles main draw this year, characterised tennis as her 'toxic boyfriend' in the statement. She detailed how the sport has negatively impacted her life, citing constant online trolling, hate messages from gamblers, and body-shaming comments on social media. Her mental health has been a public issue, with Aiava revealing she nearly took her own life in 2022, only to be stopped by three strangers on a Melbourne bridge. This retirement announcement serves as a powerful rebuke to her detractors and a critique of the culture she believes is endemic in tennis.
The Toll of Professional Tennis and Aiava's Career Highlights
Currently ranked No. 321 in the world, Aiava reached a career high of 147 in September 2017 and made history as the first player born in the 2000s to compete in the main draw of a Grand Slam. Despite these achievements, she lamented how pursuing a career in tennis has taken a significant toll on her well-being. Aiava wrote that the sport cost her relationships with her body, health, family, and self-worth. She expressed feelings of being 'so far behind everyone else' at age 25, but emphasised her desire to start fresh and find genuine happiness outside of tennis.
Positive Aspects and Gratitude Amidst the Criticism
In her statement, Aiava acknowledged some positive experiences from her time in tennis, such as meeting close friends and enjoying extensive travel opportunities. She also expressed deep gratitude to the Pacific Islander community, highlighting her pride in inspiring young people who share her background. Aiava wrote, 'I am proud to have been one of the few you saw on a stage that wasn't built for us,' reflecting on her role as a trailblazer for diversity in the sport.
Broader Implications and Aiava's Future
Aiava's retirement post raises important questions about the culture within professional tennis and the pressures faced by athletes, particularly those from minority backgrounds. Her candid discussion of mental health struggles and online abuse underscores the need for greater support systems in sports. As she prepares to leave the tour, Aiava's message resonates as a call for change, urging the tennis world to address its discriminatory practices and create a more inclusive environment for all players.
