Destanee Aiava Announces Retirement, Criticizes Tennis Culture
Australian women’s tennis player Destanee Aiava announced on Saturday that the 2026 season will be her last, delivering a scathing critique of the sport in a powerful statement posted on her social media. Aiava, 25, described tennis as her “toxic boyfriend” in the Instagram post, marking a dramatic end to her career.
Aiava reflected on the bittersweet nature of her journey, acknowledging the friendships forged and the opportunities to travel the world. However, she asserted that the sport “took things from me,” including a healthy relationship with her body, strained family connections, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
In a raw and unfiltered message, Aiava didn’t hold back her criticism. “I want to say a ginormous f— you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than,” she wrote. Her condemnation extended to gamblers sending hate and death threats, and those who criticize athletes online. She also sharply criticized the sport itself, stating, “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.”.
Aiava’s decision comes at a pivotal moment, as she feels behind her peers. “Life is not meant to be lived in misery or half a–ed. My ultimate goal is to be able to wake up everyday and genuinely say I love what I do – which I think everyone deserves the chance at. I’m 25, turning 26 this year, and I feel so far behind everyone else, like I’m starting from scratch. I’m also scared. But that’s better than living a life that’s misaligned, or being around constant comparison and losing yourself.”
Despite the harsh words, Aiava expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her career. Her professional record includes 10 International Tennis Federation titles and a 269-178 win-loss record in singles matches. While she reached the second round of the 2025 Australian Open, she hasn’t progressed further in Grand Slam events.
This announcement sparks a crucial conversation about the pressures and potential toxicity within professional tennis, and the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional well-being for athletes. For more on athlete mental health, see resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
