Destanee Aiava lifts First Title after Retirement U-Turn

Destanee Aiava has completed a remarkable turnaround after winning her first professional title since returning to tennis and switching her sporting nationality from Australia to New Zealand.

The 26-year-old lifted the W15 Brisbane trophy without dropping a set, beating Australia’s Belle Thompson 6-2, 6-3 in the final to cap an impressive week.

The title comes just months after Aiava announced plans to retire, describing professional tennis as a “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile” environment. At the time, she said the sport had become like a “toxic boyfriend” and intended to step away at the end of the season.

However, she reversed that decision in March before announcing another major career move by choosing to represent New Zealand instead of Australia.

The Brisbane title marks her first since making the switch and comes during an emotional period away from the court. Aiava has spoken publicly about her father, Hassan, who remains in intensive care after suffering a fractured skull earlier this year.

After her victory, she reflected on the difficult circumstances.

“At first I was texting dad updates hoping he’d be able to look through his phone and catch up on everything he missed.”

She added:

“It is very weird grieving someone who’s still alive, and coming to terms with the fact that people can just become memories and you’re just supposed to accept it.”