Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava declared on Saturday that she will step away from professional tennis when the 2026 ATP Tour season concludes, delivering a scathing assessment of the sport in a candid Instagram post.
The 25-year-old, who has claimed 10 ITF singles titles throughout her career, likened tennis to a “toxic boyfriend” in her farewell message.
Her statement pulled no punches, opening with: “I want to say a ginormous f**k you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than.”
Aiava also took aim at online critics, writing: “F**k you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career or whatever the f**k they want to nitpick.”
The Australian directed particular ire at tennis’s traditional image, stating: “And f**k you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values.”
She accused the sport of concealing deep-rooted prejudice beneath its polished exterior.
“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 wrote.
Destanee Aiava claimed 10 ITF singles titles throughout her career
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Her blistering critique suggests years of frustration with an environment she believes excludes those who differ from conventional expectations.
The 10-time ITF champion’s words represent one of the most forthright condemnations of tennis culture from a professional player in recent memory.
Despite her evident frustration with tennis, Aiava expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a role model for aspiring athletes from similar backgrounds.
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“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,” she wrote.
The Australian acknowledged the support she has received throughout her career, adding: “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.”
Aiava also emphasised her desire to find genuine fulfilment, writing that her “ultimate goal is to be able to wake up everyday and genuinely say I love what I do.”
Destanee Aiava likened tennis to a “toxic boyfriend” in her farewell message
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GETTY
Aiava’s retirement announcement follows a difficult start to 2026, having failed to qualify for the main draw at her home Grand Slam earlier this year.
She did compete in the doubles competition at the Australian Open alongside Maddison Inglis, though the pair suffered a straight-sets loss to Aldila Sutjiadi and Giulianna Olmos.
Following that defeat, Aiava posted candidly about her mental state, writing: “The only way I can sum it up is disappointment.”
She described two decades of effort as feeling like “a waste of time,” adding: “This feeling will pass in time but f**k RN it feels like a deep dark hole I can’t get out of, maybe that’s what sport does to you.”