Destanee Aiava says ‘f— you’ to tennis culture as she announces retirement at 25
Aiava, 25, who reached a career-high world No. 147 in 2017, made the announcement that the coming year would be her last on tour in an explosive post to Instagram on Saturday, saying that tennis was like a “toxic boyfriend” and offering a “ginormous f— you” to the sport’s community.
“I want to say a ginormous f— you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than,” Aiava wrote.
“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.
“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mould.”
Aiava, who has won 10 ITF singles titles in her career to date, with the most recent coming at the Brisbane QTC Tennis International in November 2024, also paid tribute to the Pacific Islander community.
“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.”
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“Life is not meant to be lived in misery or half assed. 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 continued.
Aiava reached the second round of her home Grand Slam in 2025, losing to Danielle Collins of the U.S. in an enthralling match and drawing attention to her rotation of iconic Grand Slam outfits from old tournaments. Aiava also represented Australia at that year’s United Cup, calling her experience on the team “weird and hostile” in a vlog.
Aiava made seven main-draw singles appearances in all, winning one of them. She did not make the main draw at this year’s Australian Open, but she did feature alongside fellow Australian Maddison Inglis in the doubles competition, however, falling to Indonesia’s Aldila Sutjiadi and Giuliana Olmos of Mexico in the first round in straight sets.
At the end of her time at the tournament, Aiava 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. 2 decades and a few dusty plates. All just feels like a waste of time.
“This feeling will pass in time but f— rn it feels like a deep dark hole I can’t get out of, maybe that’s what sport does to you.”
Come the end of her retirement statement, she thanked those who had supported her.
“Thank you to everyone who’s been a loyal fan of mine, my sponsors, my family, my best friends, my partner, my cats and anyone who’s been a positive part of this 21 year journey.
“I don’t know what this year will look like or where tennis fits into it. What I do know is that this chapter will end on my terms. And I’m truly grateful for the people who’ve 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. Goodbye, Destanee.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Culture, Tennis, Women's Tennis
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