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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood

Tennis star calls sport a ‘toxic boyfriend’ as she retires aged 25

Tennis Destanee Aiava
  • Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava announced her retirement at the end of the season, delivering a scathing critique of the sport.
  • Aiava described tennis as her ”toxic boyfriend” and issued a “ginormous f*** you” to individuals within the community who had made her feel inferior.
  • She condemned the sport's culture as “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile”, stating it is unwelcoming to anyone who does not fit the established mould.
  • The 25-year-old, who achieved a career-high ranking of 147, claimed tennis had negatively impacted her relationship with her body, health, family, and self-worth.
  • Aiava, currently ranked world No 321, plans to start afresh in 2027, seeking a life where she genuinely loves her work.

IN FULL

Australian tennis player calls out ‘racist’ culture as she retires from sport aged 25

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