Former No. 2 Kontaveit to retire with back injury

Former WTA No. 2 Anett Kontaveit will hang up her racquet due to a serious back problem, the Estonian announced on Tuesday.

Kontaveit, currently ranked 79th following a first-round loss last month at Roland Garros, stood second in the world a year ago.

The 27-year-old with six career titles on hard court, will wrap up her career at Wimbledon next month.

“After several doctor’s visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back,” she said in a statement.

“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.”

Kontaveit won her last trophy in February, 2022, in St Petersburg. 

She played a 2020 Australian Open quarter-final and reached a pair of 1000-level events Wuhan 2018 and Qatar 2022.

“Tennis has given and taught me a lot, and I am very grateful for that,” she wrote. “It has been important to 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.”

Main photo:- Anett Kontaveit with Ostrava singles trophy in 20129.©WTATennis