Destanee Aiava called time on her career earlier this week at the age of 25, slamming tennis’ culture on her way out.
Aiava, 25, made the announcement three weeks after participating in the Australian Open, where she lost in the first round.
In a post on social media, Aiava labelled tennis as a ‘toxic boyfriend,’ condemning the sport’s culture as ‘racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mould.’
The Australian player, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 147 on the WTA Tour, concluded that her experiences playing tennis had damaged her health, family and self-worth.
Amanda Anisimova, the world number five, has since reacted to Aiava’s retirement.
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Amanda Anisimova reacts to Destanee Aiava’s retirement
Speaking to reporters in Dubai, Anisimova confirmed that she had read Destanee Aiava’s retirement post.
One reporter asked the American: “Just seeing that, how does it make you feel that someone who is on the tour, that was her experience? What can be done?
“Especially she felt excluded in all of these things. What do you feel the sport needs to do better to make everyone feel more included?”
Anisimova replied: “I would say that’s tough for me to answer. Obviously, the post was disheartening, and it was sad to read.
“I personally don’t know her story. I don’t know her that well. I’m not really sure what she was talking about in that aspect. I don’t know if she was talking more about the reactions she received on social media or people in tennis.
“I just don’t know enough in detail to be able to answer that question.
“At the end of the day it is heartbreaking she had that experience. Hopefully, maybe she’ll change her mind and have a restart in tennis. You never know.”
Anisimova is currently in the United Arab Emirates preparing to play her first match at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
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The American was due to play Barbora Krejcikova in the second round. However, the Czech Grand Slam champion withdrew from the event after winning her first match.
As a result, Anisimova has advanced to the round of 16, where she will face Janice Tjen. It will be Anisimova’s first contest since retiring from her opening match at the Qatar Open.
Who is Destanee Aiava?
After a successful junior career – which included playing alongside Steffi Graf in an exhibition match – Aiava made her WTA Tour debut at the 2017 Brisbane International.
Later that month, Aiava made her professional Grand Slam debut. In December 2016, she won the U18 Girls’ Australian Championships, earning herself a wildcard for the 2017 Australian Open.
At the event, Aiava lost to Mona Barthel in the first round, 3-6, 6-7.
Since then, Aiava has won 24 ITF Circuit titles across singles and doubles. Last year, Aiava paired with Cristina Bucsa to win her first WTA Challenger title at the Birmingham Open.
Aiava’s best performances at major tournaments have come at the Australian Open. In 2024, she reached the second round of the women’s doubles and in 2025, she reached the second round of the singles event.
Aiava’s final tournament of her career was the 2026 Australian Open. She lost in the first round of singles qualifying to Harriet Dart.
In the women’s doubles event, Aiava and Maddison Inglis lost in the first round of the main draw to Aldila Sutjiadi and Giuliana Olmos.
