Anett Kontaveit stunned the tennis fraternity by announcing her retirement prior to Wimbledon. The Estonian called it quits at just 27 years of age. Just over a year ago, she had reached a career-high ranking of world number 2. Despite her poor run of form, there was plenty of hope for her as she had already proven her high ceiling. However, it was not meant to be as the former number 2 hung up her racket.
Well, Kontaveit retired from professional tennis but she hasn’t entirely hung up her racket. She is still open to playing exhibitions as many retired players do so and her latest announcement will cheer up the fans.
Anett Kontaveit set to play an exhibition with Ons Jabeur
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The Estonian announced a press conference recently where she confirmed that she would lock horns with Ons Jabeur in an exhibition in Tallinn on 11th November 2023. The 27-year-old wishes to play her last match in front of the home crowd. She said via Delfi Sport, “Since the last professional match was in London, I actually wanted to play the very last match in front of the home crowd so that my people could come and live with me.”
Ons Jabeur’s name came to her mind while thinking of the perfect opponent for her last dance. She further added, “Ons was the first person that came to my mind. She’s one of the warmest people on tour and has always been very supportive. I can’t think of a better person to have this match with.?I was shocked when she immediately said yes without asking any questions.”
Jabeur and Kontaveit have always shared a special relationship. They have formed one of the strongest friendships on the WTA tour. The Tunisian was very supportive of Kontaveit in her final tournament.
READ MORE: Ons Jabeur Jokingly Tells Anett Kontaveit To ?Back Off? From WTA Finals 2021
Ons Jabeur’s heartwarming message to Anett Kontaveit on retirement
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Poor weather at Wimbledon had led to a delayed conclusion of the opening rounds. Players had to wait for long for the rain to stop so that they could go ahead with their matches. Kontaveit was also among the sufferers. Her first match was pushed to the third day. During the never-ending wait, Jabeur said, “I?ve been waiting for Anett?s match. I believe the weather is sad that she?s leaving, so they don?t want her to play. I tried to convince her not to retire. But it didn?t work out.”
Ons Jabeur on Anett Kontaveit retiring at Wimbledon:
“I’ve been waiting for Anett’s match. I believe the weather is sad that she’s leaving, so they don’t want her to play. I tried to convince her not to retire. But it didn’t work out.”
True friendship. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aZTmv49K38
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 4, 2023
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Kontaveit eventually bowed out of the Wimbledon in the second round thereby ending her professional career. She did not receive the best of the endings. However, she now has the opportunity to end her career on the best possible note. An exhibition in front of the home crowd alongside one of her best friends would be sweet.
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