'I Know I Gave It My All': Kontaveit Opens Up About Unexpected Early Retirement

| by Nurein Ahmed

Former world no. 2 on the WTA Tour, Anett Kontaveit says there is plenty to be proud of in her career despite forced early retirement at the age of 27.

Anett Kontaveit made a shocking announcement late last month on her Instagram page that she planned to hang up her racket at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. The decision was taken up after months of severe back pain, a condition Kontaveit later came to learn was a lumbar disc degeneration.

Kontaveit would not be able to train or compete at an elite level as a result of the injury, leaving her with no option but to retire. She played her final competitive match in singles at Wimbledon this month, in a losing effort on Court 18 against Marie Bouzkova. 24 hours later, she played one final time and lost a mixed doubles match while partnering Emil Ruusuvuori.

For someone who has lived their existence touring the world and playing tennis tournaments, only now has the reality kicked in. Kontaveit, in an interview on Estonian TV, said she is struggling with her schedule and has not planned her long-term future. Right now, though, she is getting used to a new normal.

WATCH: Kontaveit Tears Up In Press Conference After Retiring At 27
WATCH: Kontaveit Tears Up In Press Conference After Retiring At 27

"I've been quietly going to the gym and exercising. I've been busy, I've been learning. It's definitely an unusual time. I think it's going to take a while to figure out what things are going to look like. For it to become normal.''

Kontaveit spoke to ETV

Kontaveit became the highest-ranked Estonian last summer sitting at number two in the WTA rankings. She won six career titles during her playing career and qualified for the 2021 WTA Finals following an astonishing late-season surge in the second half of that year. When she reflects back on her career, Kontaveit has nothing but pride.

"I know I gave it my all, and as much as I could. Unfortunately, my back was the way it was. It got a lot of knocks before it finally gave in. I'm not the type of person who regrets things very much. I know that I gave it my best and it went how it went. It's better to concentrate on the positive things I achieved than to think about what I didn't do,"

"[There have been] a lot of things to be very happy about and to have had people who were able to celebrate with me. There have also been some moments when things have been harder. The whole experience is something I will keep in my heart."

Anett Kontaveit to Mark Tennis Farewell With Final Match in Estonia
Anett Kontaveit to Mark Tennis Farewell With Final Match in Estonia

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