DESTANEE AIAVA has announced her imminent retirement from tennis in an explosive statement branding the sport inherently “racist, misogynistic and homophobic.”
The 25-year-old revealed she’d be calling time on her career at the end of the 2026 ATP Tour year in a bombshell post on Saturday.
Destanee Aiava has announced her imminent retirement from tennisCredit: AFP
The 25-year-old revealed she’ll be calling time on her career in an explosive Instagram postCredit: GETTY
And the 10-time ITF singles title winner likened the sport she dedicated her entire life to to a “toxic boyfriend” as she bid an x-rated farewell.
She wrote: “I want to say a ginormous f**k you to everyone in the community who’s ever made me feel less than.
“F**k you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career or whatever the f**k they want to nitpick.
“And f**k 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 mould.”
Despite her disdain for the sport, Aussie Aiava will leave it proud of the fact she served as an inspiration to aspiring players.
She continued: “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.
Destanee Aiava's full statement
“2026 will be my final year on tour playing professional tennis.
“From the moment I had my first lesson at Casey Tennis Club, my entire life was tennis.
“I often wondered what my life would have looked like if I’d chosen anything else and whether everything I sacrificed for this sport was actually worth the cost.
“There was a time in my career when I had reached the point that comes just before you make your big breakthrough, when the world is at your feet and nothing can tough you.
“I was only 17, unprepared and dangerously naive to the consequences of trusting the wrong people.
“The trajectory of my career was never the same after that.
“I want to say a ginormous f**k you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than.
“F**k you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career or whatever the f**k they want to nitpick.
“And f**k 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 mould.
“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.”
“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.”
Aiava failed to reach the main draw at her home Grand Slam – the – earlier this year, although she was in doubles action with Maddison Inglis.
And her discontent with the sport was apparent from her Instagram post following their straight-sets defeat to Aldila Sutjiadi and Giulianna Olmos.
See the Spanish Grand Prix for just £569
WE’VE got an amazing price on a trip to the Spanish GP in June – but you’ll have to be quick.
The deal includes return flights, FIVE nights at a 4-star hotel and a 3-day ticket to all the action at the track – plus transfers.
Prices for this full-throttle experience start from just £599pp.
But SunSport readers can unlock an exclusive extra 5% discount – bringing the price down to an incredible £569pp.
To claim your exclusive saving, simply pick up the phone to the Travelodeal team on 0204 505 9777 and quote the code F1SUNSPORT
This special saving is only available until February 28 – don’t miss out.
* If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Don’t miss Spanish GP trip for just £569
She wrote on Instagram: “I could sit here and write a positive caption about this week, but I’d rather not participate in the fakery that social media is.
“The only way I can sum it up is disappointment.
“Two decades and a few dusty plates. All just feels like a waste of time.
“This feeling will pass in time but f**k RN (right now) it feels like a deep dark hole I can’t get out of, maybe that’s what sport does to you.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
