Former World No.2 Anett Kontaveit Announces “shocking” Retirement at Age 27

Anett Kontaveit, the former world No. 2, shocked the tennis community by announcing she will retire at the age of 27 after Wimbledon.

Kontaveit, who is only two years older than Australian tennis player Ash Barty, has announced that she will retire. However, unlike Barty, Kontaveit’s decision was driven by lumbar disc degeneration in her lower back, which she announced on Instagram.

“After several doctor’s visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back,” Kontaveit said.

“Full-scale training or ongoing competition are not possible in this situation. As a result, in such a cutthroat industry, it is impossible to maintain the top level.

“I’ve learned a lot from playing tennis, and I’m very appreciative of that. It has been important for me to represent Estonia on the tennis courts and to compete in front of my global audience.

“After my final effort as a professional tennis player—to enjoy the sport and give it my all at Wimbledon—I am prepared for new challenges.

“I appreciate all of your support, x… Anett.”

In the past 18 months, Kontaveit has had difficulty progressing past the first round of any competition; her best grand slam result came in the quarterfinal of the 2020 Australian Open.

Kontaveit, who is currently ranked 79th in the world, was eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open this year and hasn’t played since the first round of the French Open.

Kontaveit, the highest-ranked Estonian tennis player in history, has won six WTA titles over the course of her 13-year career, including four in her breakout 2021 campaign.

Aryna Sabalenka, the second-ranked player in the world, commented on Kontaveit’s post with a tear and a heart. The news has sparked a wave of support for the athlete.

Current world No.3 Elena Rybankia told Talking Tennis, “It’s unfortunate because recovering from any injury is difficult, and everyone will miss her. For Anett, it’s really unlucky”.

The WTA and Australian Open thanked the star “for all the memories”, wishing her the best with her future.

Tennis reporter Nick Carter labelled the news as “shocking”, hoping all who go to see her final game at Wimbledon “give her a good send off”.

Wimbledon will host Kontaveit’s final match starting on July 3.

Reference: wwos.nine.com.au