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Former world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit, 27, to retire after Wimbledon due to back condition

The Estonian broke the sad news on her Instagram Tuesday morning that lumbar disc degeneration has forced a premature end to her WTA career.

ByTENNIS.com

Published Jun 20, 2023

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FLASHBACK: Kontaveit wins semifinal over Sakkari at 2021 WTA Finals

Anett Kontaveit, who in 2022 ascended to No. 2 on the WTA rankings, announced Tuesday that a back condition will force her to step away from the game at the age of 27.

Kontaveit will take the court for the final time at Wimbledon before hanging up her racquet. The grass-court major kicks off on July 3.

“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 on Instagram.

“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.”

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A groundbreaker for Estonian tennis, Kontaveit holds six WTA singles titles. In 2021, the Tallinn native notably went on a 26-2 tear to qualify for the WTA Finals. She later finished runner-up at the season-ending event in Guadalajara to Garbiñe Muguruza.

“Tennis has given and taught me a lot, and I am very grateful for that. It has been important for me to bring the Estonian flag to the tennis courts and to be able to play in front of my supporters and fans all over the world,” she shared.

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Kontaveit has posted 21 victories over Top 10 opponents.

Kontaveit has posted 21 victories over Top 10 opponents.

© 2022 Robert Prange

Seemingly one of the most well-liked players during her time on tour, there was no shortage of responses to Kontaveit’s news.

Wrote Maria Sakkari, “Be proud of everything you have achieved, you will always be my favorite FaceTime quarantine partner!”

Said former US Open champion Sloane Stephens, “I’m going to have to come all the way to Estonia now to visit you!! I’m going to miss you so much, you have no idea!!! I know your next chapter will be amazing and I can’t wait to see what you do next!! Can’t wait to give you the biggest hug at Wimby! Love you.”

Kontaveit advanced to the third round of Wimbledon over three successive years from 2017-19. Her best showing on the Grand Slam stage came at the 2020 Australian Open when she reached the quarterfinals.