Former World No.2 Anett Kontaveit has announced she will retire from tennis after Wimbledon at the age of just 27.
Although just two years older than our very own Ash Barty when she retired, Kontaveit is not following in the Aussie’s footsteps, instead succumbing to lumbar disc degeneration in her lower back.
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Kontaveit took to Instagram to announce her retirement.
“Hi friends,” she began.
“Today I am announcing that I am ending my career as a competitive athlete. After several doctor’s visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back.
“This does not allow for full-scale training or continued competition. Therefore, it is impossible to continue at the top level in such a highly competitive field.
“Tennis has given and taught me a lot, and I am very grateful for that. It has been important for me to bring the Estonian flag to the tennis courts and to be able to play in front of my supporters and fans all over the world.
“I am ready for new challenges after my last effort as a professional tennis player – to enjoy the game and compete as hard as I can at Wimbledon.
“Thank you everyone for your continuous support x… Anett.”
Kontaveit had been active this year but failed to make it out of the opening two rounds of any tournament she’s entered, getting knocked out in round two of the Australian Open and the first round of the French Open.
Kontaveit, who’s best grand slam finish was a quarterfinal at the 2020 Australian Open but was the runner up in the 2021 WTA Tour Finals, has seen her ranking drift this season, dropping to World No. 79 currently.
It comes after she worked her way to World No. 2 in June 2022.
The announcement led to an outpouring of support for the Estonian star.
The WTA wrote: “Thanks for the memories, Anett – can’t wait to see what you do next”.
The Australian Open commented: “We love you, Anett. Thanks for all the memories.”
Current World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka posted a series of emojis, with a mindblown, single tear and a heart for the star.
Racquet Magazine’s Ben Rothenberg tweeted: “An abrupt end to the career of Anett Kontaveit, who was ranked #2 at last year’s US Open.
“Brutal sport indeed, and all the best to a player who was a very good citizen of the tour for an unfortunately brief time.”
Tennis reporter Nick Carter said: “Anett Kontaveit news is shocking. Not what anyone wanted to see, especially her. Hope whoever goes to watch her at Wimbledon can give her a good send off.”
Another fan posted: “So Kontaveit is retiring at 27 years of age. That’s sad.”