Estonian tennis player Anett Kontaveit, once ranked as the second-best women’s player, revealed on Tuesday that she would be retiring from professional tennis after Wimbledon in July.
In an Instagram post, the 27-year-old athlete cited a back injury as her decision.
“After careful consideration and consultation with my medical team, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the end of my career as a competitive athlete,” Kontaveit wrote. “I have been diagnosed with lumbar disc degeneration, which restricts my training and prevents me from continuing at the top level of such a fiercely competitive sport.”
Currently ranked 79th worldwide, Kontaveit reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in June 2022. Her notable achievements include reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2020.
Expressing her gratitude for the sport, Kontaveit said, “Tennis has been a significant part of my life, providing valuable lessons and experiences. Representing Estonia on the tennis courts and playing in front of my supporters worldwide has been a privilege.”
Kontaveit made her debut in the WTA main draw in Miami in 2013. Throughout her career, she secured six tournament victories, including four in 2021. Her most recent title came in St. Petersburg in 2022.
In recent months, Kontaveit’s performance has been affected, with no progress beyond the second round in the last eight tournaments since her appearance in the Tallinn final last October.
Wimbledon, where Kontaveit has never advanced beyond the third round, will mark her final professional tennis outing. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to commence on July 3.
“As I prepare for my last endeavour as a professional tennis player, I am embracing new challenges and aiming to enjoy the game while giving my best effort at Wimbledon,” Kontaveit concluded.
