WTA Press Release, June 20, 2023

Former World No. 2 Anett Kontaveit has announced she will say goodbye to professional tennis at Wimbledon next month following a 13-year career on the Hologic WTA Tour.

The Estonian has revealed she will take to the court one last time and compete at Wimbledon in July before she hangs up her racket.

Kontaveit made her WTA debut in 2012 and went on to lift six singles titles from 16 finals, reach the championship match at the 2021 WTA Finals in Guadalajara and rise to World No.2 in June, 2022.

27yo Anett Kontaveit, who was ranked No 2 last year, has announced that she is retiring from tennis at Wimbledon due to her chronic back injury.

Sports are brutal. pic.twitter.com/2NEQ9bnr3R

— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) June 20, 2023

Kontaveit stated on Instagram:

“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.

“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.

“Thank you everyone for your continuous support.”

Anett