Aussie tennis star who quit the sport over racism and sexism reveals the VERY surprising sport she’s turned to after leaving the court
Aussie tennis player Destanee Aiava has announced she’s taking up netball after quitting tennis with a ‘ginormous f**k you’ after being hit with racism and sexism during her time in the game.
The 25-year-old made the revelation that she’d quit the sport due to being on the receiving end of death threats and racist comments for more than a decade in a shattering statement earlier this month.
Aiava has now updated fans on her exciting next move.
‘I have a little update for everyone,’ she said on Instagram.
‘I actually have my first netball training session on Thursday night, which I’m so excited for.
‘Super random for people who don’t know me, I know.’
Destanee Aiava (pictured) has revealed her next move after announcing she’s set to quit professional tennis
The 25-year-old (pictured) could’ve chosen Pickleball, but elected to go with netball instead
‘My plan was always to find a team sport to play when I did finish,’ Aiava added.
‘I always said if I wasn’t playing tennis as my sport, I would be playing netball.’
Aiava, who became a professional tennis player at just 17 years old, described the sport as her ‘toxic boyfriend’ as she announced why she left the tour.
Fans have backed her after seeing her netball reveal.
‘Sounds like a great transition. All the best,’ one wrote on Instagram.
‘Netball, I’m here for it,’ another added.
Aiava explained why she believes tennis is the opposite of inclusive.
‘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 said.
Aiava (pictured) has already been snapped hitting the netball court
The Aussie star (pictured) had had enough of the issues around inclusivity in tennis
Aiava won 10 titles on the ITF Tour and boasted a career-high ranking of 147.
This is shaping up to be a massive year for the 25-year-old.
In addition to quitting tennis and taking up netball, she is set to tie the knot with long-time partner Corey Gaal.
The pair have been romantically involved since they were teenagers.
