Destanee Aiava, a professional tennis player from Australia, has decided to retire at the age of 25, citing death threats and racism as significant factors contributing to her decision. In a revealing interview, Aiava expressed her fear of stepping onto the court, stating that the anxiety surrounding potential backlash from matches had become overwhelming. Following her performances, instead of focusing on the game, she dreaded checking her messages, where she was often confronted with threats towards her and her family. This toxic atmosphere led her to feel unsafe and ultimately prompted her departure from the sport.

In addition to the immediate danger posed by these threats, Aiava shared her long-term struggles with mental health issues that arose from her experiences in the sport. She discussed battling eating disorders and the significant emotional toll that racism has had on her life and career. As a player of mixed heritage, she has faced discrimination that not only impacted her mental well-being but also her performance on the court. Her decision to retire serves as both a personal relief and a statement on the broader issues of racism and threats of violence in sports.

With her retirement, Aiava is calling for greater action from tennis authorities and stakeholders to address systemic racism and ensure player safety. Her story shines a light on the often-hidden mental health struggles shared by athletes, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, and emphasizes the need for change within the sporting community to create a safer environment for all players. Aiava's experience could be a catalyst for discussions on how to effectively combat racism and harassment in sports, encouraging organizations to take more proactive stances against such behavior.