MELBOURNE — In a raw and emotional interview, Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has revealed the devastating toll of racist abuse she endured throughout her career, a key factor in her recent decision to retire from professional tennis at just 25 years old. Aiava, once hailed as a future star of the sport, announced her retirement in late March 2024, citing a loss of passion and ongoing battles with her mental health.
The Melbourne-born athlete of Samoan heritage made history in 2017 as the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a Grand Slam main draw at the Australian Open. Her powerful game saw her reach a career-high ranking of World No. 147 and earn victories over established stars like former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. However, behind the promising results lay a constant struggle against vitriol from spectators and online trolls.
The Unrelenting Torment of Online Hate
Speaking candidly on The Age’s podcast, Real Talk, Aiava detailed the specific and horrific nature of the racist insults that plagued her. She described receiving direct messages on social media that attacked her appearance and heritage in the most degrading terms. "I’ve been called the N-word, I’ve been told to go pick cotton," she revealed, her voice heavy with the memory.
The abuse was not confined to the digital shadows. Aiava recounted instances where it spilled into the physical world of competition. "I’ve had people in the crowd, like, call me a monkey and stuff like that," she said, highlighting how the torment followed her from the online sphere right onto the court, a space where she should have felt safe to compete.
A Cumulative Impact on Performance and Psyche
The cumulative effect of this sustained harassment was profound. Aiava explained that the constant negativity chipped away at her self-esteem and, critically, her ability to focus on tennis. The mental energy required to compartmentalize the hate and step onto the court became overwhelming. "It does get to you," she admitted. "You try to brush it off, but after a while, it just weighs you down."
This emotional burden manifested in her professional life. The pressure to perform, combined with the trauma of the abuse, contributed to severe anxiety and depression. Aiava has been open about her mental health journey, including a period in 2021 where she contemplated suicide, a crisis that led to her being admitted to a hospital’s psychiatric ward. Her retirement announcement was, in part, a decision to prioritize her well-being over the sport.
A Systemic Failure to Protect Players
Aiava’s story raises urgent questions about the duty of care within tennis organizations. While bodies like Tennis Australia have publicly condemned racism and implemented anti-hate campaigns, Aiava’s experience suggests a gap between policy and on-the-ground protection for athletes, particularly women of color. The challenges she faced include:
- Inadequate moderation: The sheer volume and anonymity of social media abuse make it difficult to police effectively.
- On-site security: Instances of crowd abuse require vigilant officials and security to identify and eject offenders, a system that can be inconsistent.
- Psychological support: While resources exist, ensuring players feel empowered to seek help and receive tailored, ongoing support is critical.
In her interview, Aiava expressed a sense that the sport’s institutions could do more. "I feel like they could definitely step in more," she stated, calling for stricter penalties and more proactive measures to deter abusers and support targets.
A Legacy Beyond the Baseline
Despite the painful end to her career, Destanee Aiava’s impact on Australian tennis is significant. As a trailblazer for Pacific Islander representation in a predominantly white sport, she inspired a generation. Her bravery in speaking out now adds another layer to her legacy: that of an advocate for mental health and a vocal critic of the racism that persists in sports.
Her retirement message was one of mixed relief and sorrow. "Tennis has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember," she wrote on social media. "But over the past couple years, that fire and passion has slowly faded. I’ve fallen out of love with the sport and it’s taken a huge toll on my mental health... I’m excited for this next chapter and to find my passion and love for something else."
The tennis world has responded with an outpouring of support. Fellow players, commentators, and fans have praised her courage and lamented the loss of her talent from the tour. Her story has ignited a broader conversation about the toxic underbelly of sports fandom and the urgent need for a safer, more inclusive environment for all athletes.
As Aiava steps away, her experience serves as a stark reminder. The fight for equality in tennis is not just about prize money and opportunities; it is fundamentally about the right to compete without facing dehumanizing hatred. Her heartbreaking decision to leave the game she loved is a loss for tennis, but her voice, now speaking truth to power, may ultimately help protect the players who come next.