Destanee Aiava: Tennis player calls tennis ‘racist, misogynist, homophobic’
According to data from data science company Signify, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), some 8,000 abusive, violent or threatening messages were publicly sent to 458 tennis players through social media accounts in 2024, many of which came from betting.
Ayava cited “hate or death threats” and comments about “my body, my career or whatever they wanted to find fault with.”
She went on to criticize “a movement that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values”.
“Behind the white clothing and traditions is a culture that is racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who does not fit that mold,” Ayava added.
She also said she was grateful for the opportunity to travel the world and make friends, but admitted: “It also took things away from me. My relationship with my body, my health, my family, my self-worth.
“Would I do it again? I really don’t know, but one thing this sport has taught me is that there’s always a chance to start over.”
Tennis officials have yet to comment on Aiyava’s post.
