Not all tennis players have the option to choose when to retire.
The topic of retirement is currently in the spotlight, especially with ongoing speculations regarding Djokovic’s career decisions.
This matter is particularly poignant for players like Juan Martin del Potro, who endured years of struggles before retiring last year.
While their situations differ, there are parallels to another notable WTA player who retired at just 27.
Anett Kontaveit: Estonia’s Greatest Tennis Player
Anett Kontaveit stands out as Estonia’s most successful tennis player, achieving a peak ranking of number two in the world.
While Estonia has seen previous success in the WTA Tour from players like Kaia Kanepi, who reached a ranking of number 15, Kontaveit’s accomplishments elevated the standard.
Kontaveit’s Career Journey and Early Retirement
Kontaveit turned professional at age 14 and quickly showcased her talent, becoming the first Estonian to reach the US Open girls final in 2012.
She won her inaugural WTA title at age 21 in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and later recorded significant tournament results, including reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2020.
Kontaveit enjoyed her most successful season in 2021, winning 29 out of her last 33 matches and securing a spot in the top 10 as well as the year-end WTA Finals.
Despite her achievements, Kontaveit faced a difficult year in 2022 due to health issues, leading to her retirement announcement at just 27. She cited lumbar disc degeneration as the reason for her early departure from competitive tennis.
After one final tournament at Wimbledon, where she won a match before exiting the competition, Kontaveit expressed gratitude for her tennis career while looking forward to new endeavors.
Since retirement, Kontaveit has embraced motherhood with the birth of her son, Leon, and continues to engage with tennis, participating in events like the legends doubles tournament at Roland Garros.