Destanee Aiava, the 25-year-old Samoan-Australian tennis player, revealed her decision to leave professional tennis over the weekend in a powerful social media statement.
The former world No 147 described the sport as her “toxic boyfriend” as she announced her retirement on her own terms.
In her moving post, Aiava launched a scathing attack on tennis culture, stating: “F*** you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values.
“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mould.”
The player, currently ranked 320th globally, paid tribute to the Pacific Islander community as she stepped away from the game.
Now, speaking to Clay following her announcement, Aiava disclosed the horrific abuse she endured throughout her career, revealing she had been “called a ‘monkey’ and ‘transgender'” during matches.
The 25-year-old recounted how hostile tennis parents at junior tournaments would openly hurl insults at her, labelling her a “man” or a “monkey” without hesitation.
Destanee Aiava likened tennis to a “toxic boyfriend” in her farewell message | GETTYHer retirement statement accused the sport of concealing deep-rooted prejudice beneath its veneer of respectability and tradition.
Aiava also spoke out about the relentless online harassment she faced, with trolls targeting her appearance by calling her “fat” and a “man.”
She emphasised that her decision to speak publicly was not solely about her own experiences but aimed to represent others who had suffered similar treatment.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAAiava spoke candidly about the isolation she experienced as a woman of colour in a predominantly white sport, telling Clay: “There’s not been one time where I felt like I belonged in this sport because of my colour.”
She stressed that the challenges extend beyond gender, explaining: “It’s always going to be harder for us and that’s just the reality.
“Even if I wasn’t a woman, it’s still going to be harder if I was Brown or Asian or Black.”
The abuse came from multiple directions, with spectators heckling her during matches and persistent online attacks contributing to her decision to walk away from professional tennis.
Destanee Aiava claimed 10 ITF singles titles throughout her career | GETTYAiava described the tour environment as deeply unwelcoming, explaining that players constantly gossip about one another before offering insincere smiles when crossing paths.
“That’s the reason why it creates a hostile environment because everyone just says it behind your back and then gives a fake smile when you’re passing each other,” she said, adding that the energy in those spaces felt consistently negative.
The 25-year-old also highlighted her commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ players, noting she had witnessed firsthand how gay tennis players are treated within the sport.
As she prepares to focus on the “people who matter,” Aiava expressed hope that her legacy would be defined by her willingness to speak truthfully about her experiences in tennis.