In a surprise announcement, 25-year-old Australian tennis player Destany Aiava shared that she will retire at the end of 2026. Currently ranked 321st in the WTA, Aiava reflected on her career and the challenges she faced.

“I reached the stage just before my big breakthrough at the top level, but I was only 17, unprepared, and unaware of the dangers of trusting the wrong people. From then on, my career trajectory was never the same again.”

Destany Aiava, via Instagram

Aiava, who once reached No. 147 in the rankings, expressed that tennis had been her best friend, but it also took a toll on her life. She shared that while she had traveled to amazing places and made great friends, she also lost her relationship with her body, health, family, and self-esteem.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With two years left in her career, Aiava plans to cherish her time on the WTA Tour. She aims to continue improving her ranking and making memorable moments on the court. Although she hasn’t shared her specific plans after retirement, she hinted at pursuing other interests she had neglected due to her dedication to tennis.

Aiava’s Career in Brief

• Age: 25
• Highest Ranking: No. 147 (2021)
• Career Titles: 0
• Notable Results: Reached the second round of the 2025 Australian Open