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AFP, SYDNEY
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Australian player Destanee Aiava yesterday announced her impending retirement from tennis and claimed the sport had a “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile” culture.
In an expletive-laden statement on social media, a disillusioned Aiava described tennis as her “toxic boyfriend” and said she was looking forward to a fresh start.
“My life is not meant to be lived in misery and half-assed,” wrote Aiava, who said this year would be her last on tour. “My ultimate goal is to be able to wake up every day and genuinely say that I love what I do — which I think everyone deserves a chance at.”
Tom Slingsby, driver of BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team, center, crosses the boat during a maneuver on Day 2 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday.
Photo: Simon Bruty, SailGP via AP
“I’m 25, turning 26 this year and I feel so far behind everyone else, like I’m starting from scratch,” she said. “I’m also scared, but that’s better than living a life that’s misaligned, or being around constant comparison and losing yourself.”
Aiava, who reached a career-high singles ranking of 133 and last played doubles at the Australian Open last month, has often been the target for online trolls for her results, appearance and the bright outfits that she wears.
She used her retirement post to hit back at them.
“I want to say a ginormous fuck you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than,” she said. “Fuck you to every single gambler who’s sent me hate or death threats.”
“Fuck you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career, or whatever the fuck they want to nitpick, and fuck you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values,” she added.
“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mold,” added Aiava, who has Samoan heritage.
Tennis officials were not immediately available for comment.
A former junior prodigy, Aiava said she was grateful for the opportunity to travel the world and makes friends, but it came at a price.
“It also took things from me. My relationship with my body. My health. My family. My self-worth,” she said. “Would I do it all again? I really don’t know, but one thing this sport taught me is that there is always a chance to start fresh.”
Additional reporting by The Guardian
