Tennis Player Destanee Aiava, 25, Announces Retirement Citing 'Toxic' Sport Culture

Aiava's decision comes after first-round exit at Australian Open, as fellow player Amanda Anisimova calls it 'heartbreaking'.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Destanee Aiava, a 25-year-old professional tennis player, has announced her retirement from the sport, citing major issues with the sport's 'racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile' culture. Aiava's decision comes just three weeks after her first-round exit at the Australian Open, where she described tennis as a 'toxic boyfriend' that has taken a toll on her health and family. Fellow player Amanda Anisimova has expressed sadness over Aiava's retirement, saying it is 'heartbreaking' that she had such an experience in the sport.

Why it matters

Aiava's retirement at a young age shines a light on the broader issues of discrimination, toxicity, and lack of inclusivity that have long plagued professional tennis. Her decision to speak out against the sport's culture could inspire more athletes to address these systemic problems and push for meaningful change.

The details

Destanee Aiava, a former world No. 147 player, made her WTA Tour debut at the 2017 Brisbane International after a strong junior career. Over the years, she has won 24 ITF Circuit titles across singles and doubles, and reached the second round of both singles and doubles at the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025. However, Aiava's final appearance came at the 2026 Australian Open, where she lost in the qualifying round. In her retirement announcement, Aiava described tennis as a 'toxic boyfriend' and criticized the sport's culture as 'racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn't fit the mould.'

  • Aiava announced her retirement in February 2026.
  • Aiava's last professional match was at the 2026 Australian Open, where she lost in the qualifying round.
  • Aiava's decision to retire comes just three weeks after her first-round exit at the 2026 Australian Open.

The players

Destanee Aiava

A 25-year-old former professional tennis player who recently announced her retirement from the sport, citing major issues with the sport's 'racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile' culture.

Amanda Anisimova

A professional tennis player who expressed sadness over Aiava's retirement, calling it 'heartbreaking' that she had such an experience in the sport.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I would say that's tough for me to answer. Obviously, the post was disheartening, and it was sad to read.”

— Amanda Anisimova (Yahoo Sports)

“I personally don't know her story. I don't know her that well. I'm not really sure what she was talking about in that aspect. I don't know if she was talking more about the reactions she received on social media or people in tennis.”

— Amanda Anisimova (Yahoo Sports)

“At the end of the day it is heartbreaking she had that experience. Hopefully, maybe she'll change her mind and have a restart in tennis. You never know.”

— Amanda Anisimova (Yahoo Sports)

The takeaway

Aiava's retirement at a young age highlights the urgent need for the tennis community to address the systemic issues of discrimination, toxicity, and lack of inclusivity that have long plagued the sport. Her decision to speak out could inspire more athletes to call for meaningful change and push the sport to become more welcoming and supportive of all players, regardless of their background or identity.