// Former world No.2 Anett Kontaveit has shocked the tennis world, announcing she will retire after Wimbledon at the age of 27. Kontaveit will be retiring just two years older than Australian tennis star Ash Barty was, although her reasoning differs from the Australian star, announcing on her Instagram her decision was forced by a lumbar disc degeneration in her lower back. "After several doctor's visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back," Kontaveit said. READ MORE: Captain Cummins, Lyon lift Aussies to 'famous victory' READ MORE: Ashes villain 'dragged away' from tense Khawaja spat READ MORE: Sacked McGuire's dad rips 'rat' player, English club "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 x... Anett." Kontaveit, whose best grand slam finish was at the quarter final of the 2020 Australian Open, has struggled to make it past the opening rounds of any tournament over the past 18 months. Currently ranked 79th in the world, Kontaveit was knocked out in round two of the Australian Open this year and has not played since round one of the French Open. Winning six WTA titles over her 13-year career, with four won during her 2021 breakthrough season, Kontaveit remains the highest-ranking Estonian player in tennis history. The announcement has led to an outpour of support for Kontaveit, with current world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka commenting a tear and a heart on the star's post. Current world No.3 Elena Rybankia told Talking Tennis, "Everybody is going to miss her… it's not easy to come back from any injury, it's a pity. For Anett, it's really unlucky". The WTA and Australian Open thanked the star "for all the memories", wishing her the best with her future. Tennis reporter Nick Carter labelled the news as "shocking", hoping all who go to see her final game at Wimbledon "give her a good send off". Kontaveit's final match will be played at Wimbledon, beginning on July 3. For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here! Former world No.2 Anett Kontaveit has shocked the tennis world, announcing she will retire after Wimbledon at the age of 27. Kontaveit will be retiring just two years older than Australian tennis star Ash Barty was, although her reasoning differs from the Australian star, announcing on her Instagram her decision was forced by a lumbar disc degeneration in her lower back. "After several doctor's visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back," Kontaveit said. READ MORE: Captain Cummins, Lyon lift Aussies to 'famous victory' READ MORE: Ashes villain 'dragged away' from tense Khawaja spat READ MORE: Sacked McGuire's dad rips 'rat' player, English club "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 x... Anett." Kontaveit, whose best grand slam finish was at the quarter final of the 2020 Australian Open, has struggled to make it past the opening rounds of any tournament over the past 18 months. Currently ranked 79th in the world, Kontaveit was knocked out in round two of the Australian Open this year and has not played since round one of the French Open. Winning six WTA titles over her 13-year career, with four won during her 2021 breakthrough season, Kontaveit remains the highest-ranking Estonian player in tennis history. The announcement has led to an outpour of support for Kontaveit, with current world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka commenting a tear and a heart on the star's post. Current world No.3 Elena Rybankia told Talking Tennis, "Everybody is going to miss her… it's not easy to come back from any injury, it's a pity. For Anett, it's really unlucky". The WTA and Australian Open thanked the star "for all the memories", wishing her the best with her future. Tennis reporter Nick Carter labelled the news as "shocking", hoping all who go to see her final game at Wimbledon "give her a good send off". Kontaveit's final match will be played at Wimbledon, beginning on July 3. For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here! https://ift.tt/GLHvYrJ //
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