Anett Kontaveit Forced To Retire At 27 Due To Chronic Back Injury

Former world number two Anett Kontaveit has been forced to retire from tennis at the age of 27 due to a degenerative back injury, with this year’s Wimbledon championships set to be her final outing.

Kontaveit, who achieved her best Grand Slam result when she reached the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2020, said she was diagnosed with “lumbar disc degeneration” in her back. The condition relates to the wear and tear of lumbar intervertebral disc, which can cause pain, numbness and pins and needles.

The Estonian, who is currently 79th in the world rankings, last played at the French Open, where she was knocked out in the first round in straight sets. Her best result this year came at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi, where she reached the round of 16.

“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,” Kontaveit said, according to an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“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.

“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.

“I am ready for new challenges after my last effort as a professional tennis player – to enjoy the game and compete as hard as I can at Wimbledon.”

Kontaveit cut her 2022 season short in October due to the issue and took another two-month break in February.

She has won six singles titles on the women’s tour and earned the career-high ranking of two last year.

The women’s tour congratulated her on her career. “Thank you for an amazing 13-year career on the Hologic
HOLX
WTA Tour, Anett,” the WTA said on Twitter.

World number one Iga Swiatek also wished the Estonian. “So sorry to read that. Wishing you all the best Anett,” Swiatek wrote on Twitter.

Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year, will be held from July 3, with the main draw for the women’s singles set to be made on June 30.

Kontaveit’s best performance at the grasscourt major has been in the third round, which she has reached on three occasions.