Tennis Player Quits, Says Sport Is Unkind

Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has decided to stop playing professional tennis. She said on social media that the sport's culture was not kind and made her feel bad. She wants to find happiness doing something else.
By Newsroom | Tennis, Australia |

Player's Social Media Post Sparks Debate on Sport's Environment

Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava, aged 25, has announced her retirement from professional tennis, delivering a strong public critique of the sport's culture. In an expletive-laden social media post, Aiava described tennis as having a "racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile" environment, likening the sport to a "toxic boyfriend." Her statements have drawn significant attention, prompting discussions about the pressures and potential exclusionary aspects within professional tennis.

Tennis player claims sport's culture is 'racist' in scathing social media post - 1

Aiava, who has Samoan heritage, has cited a desire to pursue a life that is more aligned with her values and to avoid constant comparison and self-loss. Her decision comes as she completes her final season on the professional tour.

Tennis player claims sport's culture is 'racist' in scathing social media post - 2

Aiava's Account of Experiences

In her statement, Destanee Aiava specifically addressed various groups she felt had negatively impacted her career and well-being.

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  • She directed strong language towards:

  • "everyone in the tennis community who's ever made me feel less than."

  • "every single gambler who's sent me hate or death threats."

  • "the people who sit behind screens on social media commenting on my body, my career."

  • Aiava also expressed a critical view of the sport's public image, stating, "And f* you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values."

  • She has previously been the subject of online abuse, a problem that has affected other players in the sport.

Aiava's career-high singles ranking was 147. She last competed in the women's doubles at the Australian Open in January, where she and partner Maddison Inglis were eliminated in the first round.

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Addressing Detractors and Trolls

Aiava's post also included direct messages to those who have criticized her or sent threats. She expressed a sense of obligation that had kept her playing, even when unhappy, and a desire to find genuine fulfillment.

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"My ultimate goal is to be able to wake up every day and genuinely say I love what I do — which I think everyone deserves the chance at."

Her remarks suggest a long-standing frustration with an environment she believes is unwelcoming to individuals who do not conform to conventional expectations.

Broader Concerns in Tennis

Aiava's comments echo broader concerns that have been raised by other athletes regarding the culture within professional sports. The issue of online abuse targeting players has been highlighted previously, with British player Katie Boulter sharing examples of such harassment.

The description of tennis as a "toxic boyfriend" implies a relationship that has been damaging and unfulfilling, despite potential positive aspects. Aiava acknowledged the opportunities the sport provided, including travel and friendships, but stated that these came at a significant personal cost.

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"But that’s better than living a life that’s misaligned, or being around constant comparison and losing yourself.”

Aiava's outspokenness marks one of the most direct criticisms of tennis culture by a professional player in recent times.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Destanee Aiava retire from tennis?
Destanee Aiava retired because she felt the tennis culture was unkind and made her feel bad. She wants to find happiness in her life outside of the sport.
Q: What did Destanee Aiava say about tennis?
She said that tennis was like a 'toxic boyfriend' and that it could be a mean place for some people. She also mentioned feeling unsafe because of online hate and threats.
Q: What does Destanee Aiava want to do now?
She wants to find a life where she can be happy doing what she loves every day. She wants to avoid constant comparison and losing herself.
Q: Has anyone else spoken about problems in tennis?
Yes, other players have also talked about facing online hate and abuse. This shows that Destanee Aiava's feelings are shared by others in the sport.