Destanee Aiava, 25, Announces Her Retirement with Scathing Letter: ‘Tennis Was My Toxic Boyfriend’

Destanee Aiava is stepping away from professional tennis, saying she’s ready to leave behind a culture she describes as harmful and exhausting.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, the 25-year-old Australian player announced she will retire at the end of the 2026 season, comparing her long relationship with the sport to a “toxic boyfriend.” She said tennis has shaped her life since childhood.

Aiava made history at the 2017 Australian Open as the first player born in 2000 or later to compete in a Grand Slam main draw. She also reached a career-high ranking of No. 147 that year and has collected 10 International Tennis Federation singles titles along with 14 ITF doubles titles.

In her message, Aiava reflected on why she kept pushing forward even when she felt unhappy. At times, she said, she continued because she felt she owed it to herself and to those who supported her. Other times, she admitted she was afraid to start over or didn’t know who she was outside the sport. She said she spent years searching for something that brought peace rather than pain.

While acknowledging the opportunities tennis gave her—travel, friendships, stories, and a public platform—Aiava also spoke about the toll it took on her body, her mental health, and her family life.

She did not hold back when describing what she believes exists beneath tennis’ polished image. Aiava criticized the sport’s culture as racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and unwelcoming to those who don’t “fit the mould.” She also condemned online abuse, including hateful messages and death threats from gamblers, as well as constant criticism on social media.

Looking ahead, Aiava said she wants to build a life where she can wake up and truly love what she does, even if it means starting from scratch. She acknowledged feeling behind at 25, and admitted she’s scared—but said that fear is better than living a life that feels misaligned or shaped by constant comparison.

She also expressed gratitude to the people who supported her and specifically thanked the Pacific Islander community. Aiava said she’s proud to have inspired young people who look like her, and proud to have represented her community in spaces she felt weren’t built with them in mind.

Aiava closed by saying she doesn’t know exactly what the final year of her career will look like, but she’s determined to end this chapter on her own terms. She said she’s grateful for those who supported her without trying to change her, and that she’s looking forward to a new phase of life driven by purpose, creativity, and passion.