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Anett Kontaveit says it is "sweet" that fellow WTA players are trying to convince her to continue her career but noted her decision cannot be changed because of her back condition. On May 20th, 27-year-old Kontaveit stunned the tennis world when she announced Wimbledon would be the final tournament of her career.
Several months ago, Kontaveit was diagnosed with lumbar disc degeneration in her back. After winning her Wimbledon opener, Ons Jabeur said she was trying to convince Kontaveit to change her decision. After Kontaveit defeated Lucrezia Stefanini 6-4 6-4 in her Wimbledon opener, she was asked about others attempting to persuade her to continue her career.
Kontaveit: There's no changing my mind, my back isn't allowing me
"It's really sweet they're trying. A lot of people tried. These decisions, because I cant play without pain pretty much the whole match, it was something I considered for a long time.
It was a difficult decision and once I decide something big, I don't usually start doubting it," Kontaveit said, via Reem Abulleil.
When Kontaveit announced she was retiring after Wimbledon, she received messages of support from across the WTA Tour.Kontaveit: It's really sweet they're trying. A lot of ppl tried. These decisions, because I cant play w/o pain pretty much the whole match, it was something I considered for a long time.
It was a difficult decision & once I decide something big, I dont usually start doubting it. https://t.co/DAYoolIz7J — Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) July 5, 2023
That continued at Wimbledon, where players continued to send support to Kontaveit. "I feel lucky today that I played on Court 1. It's a shame that the weather is like this. I know some matches, because I've been waiting for Anett's match, and she hasn't played yesterday or today.
I believe the weather is sad that she's leaving, so they don't want her to play. As a close friend, I knew before. I was very, very sad. I honestly tried to convince her not to, but it didn't work out. But it's her decision," Jabeur said of Kontaveit's retirement.
In the Wimbledon second round, Kontaveit plays against Marie Bouzkova. It remains to be seen how far can Kontaveit go in her final tournament.