Coco Gauff’s mother, Candi, has responded to Australian WTA pro Destanee Aiava’s shock retirement announcement, expressing her love and support for the 25-year-old, who has called out the sport for failing to curb the “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile” culture faced by some players who may not fit the ideal mold many have ascribed to the sport.
Aiava announced her retirement in an explosive social media post, calling tennis a “toxic boyfriend” and stating that 2026 will be her final year on tour. In the post, she explained her striking decision, writing, “My ultimate goal is to be able to wake up every day and genuinely say that I love what I do – which I think everyone deserves a chance at.”
Gauff’s mother reacted with “❤️❤️” on Aiava’s retirement announcement post.
Aiava, who reached a career high singles ranking of 147, cited constant online threats and body shaming messages as distressing. This is an issue many players have faced in the past and still face today. She further criticized the sport, stating, “This is a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values.”
“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit the mould,” she added. Despite expressing that she would have to start from scratch, Aiava was still grateful for the sport. “Would I do it all again? I really don’t know, but one thing this sport taught me is that there is always a chance to start fresh,” Aiava concluded.
While Gauff’s mother and the player herself would understand the toll such comments and criticisms take on players’ mental and physical health, something ought to change in the dynamics of how players are treated on and off the court to cast aside such negativity for the betterment of the sport and players’ health overall.
Coco Gauff Aims to Redeem Herself in Dubai Amidst a Poor Run in Form
Gauff is set to commence her journey in the Dubai Open on Tuesday with a round of 32 match against Anna Kalinskaya. Gauff is aiming to redeem herself from the Qatar Open shocker and, before that, the quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open.
The Middle East swing hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the two-time Grand Slam champion in recent years, but despite that, she will aim to produce some consistent results in the Dubai Open.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are not participating in the WTA 1000 event, which places Gauff as the third seed behind Elena Rybakina (1st) and Amanda Anisimova (2nd).
If Gauff cruises through the opening round, she could set up a potential feisty semifinal clash against Rybakina and potentially face Anisimova or Jessica Pegula in the finals should the 21-year-old reach the summit clash at the end of the week.
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