Anett Kontaveit, who reached No. 2 in the WTA rankings last year, has announced her retirement from competitive tennis after Wimbledon. The 27-year-old from Estonia shared the news on Instagram, citing back issues as the reason for her decision.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
Kontaveit made her WTA debut in 2012 and has won six singles titles throughout her career. Although she has not won a Grand Slam title, she reached the quarterfinals of the 2020 Australian Open. In Wimbledon, she has reached the third round in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Last year, she achieved her career-high ranking of No. 2 before losing to Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open, which was Williams’ final Grand Slam tournament before retiring from tennis.
“Tennis has given me a lot and taught me a lot, and I am very grateful for that. It has been important to me to represent Estonia on the tennis courts and play in front of my supporters and fans around the world,” Kontaveit wrote. “I am ready for new challenges after my final effort as a professional tennis player – to enjoy the game and compete as hard as I can at Wimbledon.”
Other tennis stars such as Ons Jabeaur, Maria Sakkari, Jessica Pegula, and Aryna Sabalenka showed their support for Kontaveit in her Instagram comments after her retirement announcement.
“So sorry to hear this Anett, but all the best in your next chapter!!!” wrote Pegula, currently ranked No. 5 in the world.
The 2023 Wimbledon Championships are scheduled to take place from July 3 to 16 at the All England Club in London.
