"Sometimes I kept playing because I felt I owed it to everyone who had helped me, other times, out of fear of starting from scratch,"<\/em> she confides.<\/p>\nThe current world number 258 isn't content with a quiet farewell: she's openly denouncing the "toxic culture" that she believes is poisoning her sport. "Behind the white outfits and traditions lies a racist, misogynistic, homophobic culture hostile to anyone who deviates from the norm,"<\/em> Aiava writes. Of Samoan descent, she says she endured discrimination and hurtful remarks throughout her career.<\/p>\nThis stance reflects a broader unease within the world of tennis. Governing bodies, such as the ITF and the WTA, have already acknowledged the extent of online abuse suffered by female players. In 2024, nearly 8,000 abusive or threatening messages were recorded against 458 players, both men and women, often related to sports betting.<\/p>\n
Social media, a catalyst for hate<\/h2>\n
Destanee Aiava spares neither internet users nor institutions. "I want to say a huge 'go to hell' to everyone who made me feel inferior,"<\/em> she declared. Like many athletes, she says she has been the victim of harassment on social media, affecting both her appearance and her performance. Players like Great Britain's Katie Boulter have already tried to raise awareness about these abuses, but the normalization of insults and threats continues to undermine the mental health of many female athletes. <\/p>\n\n\n
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