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Anett Kontaveit shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement on Tuesday (June 20), just one year after reaching the world No. 2 ranking in her career.
While 2022 was a strong year for Estonia, 2023 didn’t show up either, as a host of injuries, most notably a back injury, prevented Kontaveit from competing at the top level. She endured a second-round exit at the Australian Open and a first-round exit at the French Open, limited to a handful of early exits at other major tournaments.
Ranked No. 79 in the world, the 27-year-old recently assured fans that although her back injury was a persistent problem, she managed it enough to continue her career.
On Tuesday, though, Kontaveit took to social media to break the news that she was ending her career on the advice of her medical team. Because of lumbar disc degeneration in her back, it is nearly impossible for the world number two to compete or even train at the level required for the high-stakes world of tennis.
“Hi friends, today I announce that I am ending my career as a competitive athlete. After several doctor visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been informed that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back,” Anette Kontaveit said on Instagram. .
“This does not allow for comprehensive training or sustained competition. Therefore, it is impossible to continue at the highest level in such a highly competitive field,” she added.
Kontaveit added that she is grateful for everything she has learned from tennis and is proud to have helped her native Estonia make a mark in the sport.
With Wimbledon looming at the end of the month, the 27-year-old promised to give her best at the tournament, which will be her last on the WTA Tour.
“Tennis has given me and taught me a lot, for which I am very grateful. It was important for me to bring the Estonian flag to the tennis courts and to be able to play in front of my fans and fans all over the world,” said Anett Kontaveit.
“I am ready for new challenges following my recent efforts as a professional tennis player – to enjoy the game and compete to the fullest I can at Wimbledon. Thank you all for your continued support,” she added.
Anett Kontaveit is the latest player to be beaten by Serena Williams
Incidentally, Anett Kontaveit has the honor of being the last player that Serena Williams won in her legendary career as well as a Grand Slam. The two met in the second round of last year’s US Open, when Kontaveit was ranked No. 2 in the world.
Despite the Estonian’s resistance in the second set, Williams finished the contest 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 to reach the third round, where she fell to Agla Tomljanovic in three more sets.
It was the final tournament of the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s career, as she announced that she was hanging her racket at Flushing Meadows in front of her home crowd attending the event.
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