Destanee Aiava Retires: Inside the Mental Toll of Racism, Misogyny & Homophobia in Tennis (2026)

Destanee Aiava, a 25-year-old Australian tennis player with Samoan heritage, has announced her retirement from the sport, citing a 'racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and hostile' tennis culture. Aiava, who made her WTA Tour debut in 2017 and reached the second round of the Australian Open in 2025, has likened tennis to a 'toxic boyfriend' and expressed her desire to wake up every day genuinely loving what she does. She has won 24 ITF Circuit titles and a career-high singles ranking of 147. In her announcement, Aiava took aim at the tennis community, gamblers, and social media trolls who have targeted her. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunities tennis has afforded her, including the chance to see the world and make good friends. Amanda Anisimova, a Wimbledon and US Open finalist, expressed her sadness at Aiava's retirement, hoping that she might change her mind and have a restart in tennis. The article also includes information on how to watch tennis on Sky Sports and NOW, as well as links to the latest scores, results, and upcoming matches.

Destanee Aiava Retires: Inside the Mental Toll of Racism, Misogyny & Homophobia in Tennis (2026)

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