'Life is not meant to be lived in misery': Destanee Aiava announces that 2026 is her final year on tour

(Getty/Hannah Peters)

At just 25, Destanee Aiava has announced her decision to retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season.

Aiava, who has reached a career-high world No.147, shared an emotional post on her Instagram account, which also highlighted a "racist" and "misogynistic" culture.

"2026 will be my final year on tour playing professional tennis," she confirmed.

"From the moment I had my first lesson at Casey Tennis Club, my entire life was tennis. I often wondered what my life would have looked like if I’d have chosen anything else. And whether everything I sacrificed for this sport was actually worth the cost. There was a time in my career when I had reached the point that comes just before you make your big breakthrough, when the world is at your feet and nothing can touch you. I was only 17, unprepared and dangerously naive to the consequences of trusting the wrong people. The trajectory of my career was never the same after that.

"Sometimes I kept playing because I felt like I owed it to not only myself but to everyone who had helped me throughout my career, to try and get back to where (on paper) I belonged. Other times I kept going because I was too scared to start again. Or I was bored. I also didn't know who I was outside of tennis and what my true passion was. I was constantly looking for that thing that gave me peace instead of grief. In other words, tennis was my toxic boyfriend. 

"That said, tennis gave me many things I can only be grateful for. The places I’ve travelled that people only dream of visiting. Some of my best friends. A platform to share my story. Even the time I had zero dollars because I’d spent it all trying to 'make it'. And it also took things from me. My relationship with my body. My health. My family. My self-worth. Would I do it all again? I really don't know, but one thing this sport has taught me is that there is always 

a chance to start fresh. 

"I want to say a ginormous f*** you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than. F*** you to every single gambler who’s sent me hate or death threats. F*** you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career, or whatever the f*** they want to nitpick. And 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 its mould.

"Life is not meant to be lived in misery or half-assed. My ultimate goal is to be able to wake up everyday and genuinely say I love what I do - which I think everyone deserves the chance at. 

"I'm 25 turning 26 this year and I feel so far behind everyone else, like I'm starting from scratch. I'm also scared. But that's better than living a life that's misaligned, or being around constant comparison and losing yourself. 

"To the Pacific Islander community - thank you. I am deeply humbled I have been able to inspire young girls and boys who look like me, not to be afraid to chase their dreams - no matter what the room looks like. Without you, there wouldn't be me. 

"I am proud to have been one of the few you saw on a stage that wasn't built for us. I am proud to have made history for our people. And I am proud of where I come from - because of all of you.

"Thank you to everyone who's been a loyal fan of mine, my sponsors, my family, my best friends, my partner, my cats and anyone who's been a positive part of this 21-year journey. I don't know what this year will look like or where tennis fits into it. What I do know is that this chapter will end on my terms. And I'm truly grateful for those people who've supported me without trying to change who I am. 

"I look forward to stepping into my next phase of life - one led by purpose, creativity and passion.

"Goodbye, Destanee."

Listen to The First Serve Live every Monday at 8pm AEDT in its 18th year on the SEN Network/App, Australia's only dedicated weekly tennis program on commercial radio running through till the end of November.

Aiava has previously been open about her mental health struggles earlier in her career.

Stuck in a dangerous mindset, Aiava attempted to take her own life on Easter Sunday two years ago, made to feel "unworthy of being loved" after relationship breakdowns. She took to Instagram to admit she "did not want to make it to her 22nd birthday".

Since then, Aiava has been nothing short of an inspiration to people suffering from mental health struggles - demonstrating her incredible tenacity. Australian tennis and society are all the better for her unwavering presence.

She has dropped outside the world's top 300, currently 321st in the world.

Aiava achieved her best Grand Slam result at the 2025 Australian Open, when she reached the second round of the main draw after qualifying.

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