“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mould,” she wrote
Andy Cheung/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Destanee Aiava announced on Feb. 14 that she is retiring from professional tennis after devoting 21 years to the sport
- “I look forward to stepping into my next phase of life — one led by purpose, creativity and passion,” she wrote in a letter
- The athlete also outlined toxicity within the “tennis community” and slammed the people who made her feel “less than”
Destanee Aiava is saying goodbye to “toxic” tennis culture.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Australian tennis star, 25, announced that she is retiring after devoting 21 years to the sport, which she deemed equivalent to a “toxic boyfriend.”
“2026 will be my final year on tour playing professional tennis,” Aiava, who became the first player born in 2000 or later to play in a Grand Slam main draw at the 2017 Australian Open, wrote on Instagram. “From the moment I had my first lesson at Casey Tennis Club, my entire life was tennis.”
In addition to reaching a career-high world ranking at No. 147 in 2017, Aiava has won 10 International Tennis Federation singles titles and 14 ITF doubles titles throughout her tennis career.
View this post on Instagram
“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 (on paper) I belonged,” she continued. “Other times I kept going because I was too scared to start again. Or I was bored. I also didn’t know who I was outside of tennis and what my true passion was. I was constantly looking for that thing that gave me peace instead of grief. In other words tennis was my toxic boyfriend.”
While Aiava went on to express how thankful she was for the many beautiful things tennis brought her — including priceless stories, trips, friends and a social platform — she also pointed out the less glamorous effects her career has had on her body, her mental health and her family.
“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mould,” she wrote. “I want to say a ginormous f— you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than. F— you to every single gambler who’s sent me hate or death threats. F— you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career, or whatever the f— they want to nitpick. And f— you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values.”
Moving forward, Aiava made it her goal to “wake up every day and genuinely say I love what I do” — even if that means starting from scratch.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Adam Pretty/Getty
“Life is not meant to be lived in misery or half assed,” she emphasized. “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.”
Beyond shining a light on the trials and tribulations she’s had to overcome throughout her career, Aiava also made sure to thank everyone who was a “positive” part of her journey as well as the Pacific Islander community as a whole.
“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. “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. I am proud to have made history for our people. And I am proud of where I come from — because of all of you.”
“I don’t know what this year will look like or where tennis fits into it,” she concluded. “What I do know is that this chapter will end on my terms. And I’m truly grateful for the people who supported me without trying to change who I am. I look forward to stepping into my next phase of life — one led by purpose, creativity and passion.”
Read the full article here
