Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has announced that the 2026 season will be her last, citing a deeply troubling culture within the sport. Aiava described the environment as racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit its mold.

Facing Abuse On and Off the Court

The 25-year-vintage, currently ranked No. 320, revealed she has been subjected to racial and homophobic abuse during her career. On court I’ve been called a ‘monkey’ and ‘transgender’, Aiava stated in an interview.

Aiava, the youngest Pacific Islander to compete in the main draw of a Grand Slam and the first player of Samoan descent to compete at the US Open, also described a culture of backstabbing among female players. They all (female players) just talk behind each other’s backs. That’s the reason it creates a hostile environment, because everyone just says it behind your back and then gives you a fake smile when you pass each other.

“Toxic Boyfriend” Analogy

Aiava likened her relationship with tennis to a toxic boyfriend, explaining that she often felt conflicted about continuing in a sport she didn’t truly enjoy. I don’t think I’ve ever really enjoyed this sport. The only reason I enjoyed it was because of the good things that came with it. She added, I just didn’t feel fulfilled in this sport. It was very lonely. It is an individual sport. It’s very expensive. It all led me to seek to explore other things and find something I really love.

Experiences as a Samoan-Australian Player

Aiava spoke candidly about the challenges of being a woman of color in a predominantly white sport. Being a woman of color in a predominantly white sport has been a huge struggle from day one. There was not a single time where I felt like I belonged in this sport because of the color of my skin. She recounted instances of aggressive parents at tournaments shouting abusive language at her.

Looking Ahead

Aiava expressed a desire to be remembered for her honesty and to inspire others facing similar challenges. I would like to be remembered for the honesty with which I spoke about my experiences. I hope to inspire others who are in a similar situation to me to take the same path and put themselves first.