Anett Kontaveit, Former World No. 2, Retires from Tennis Due to Back Injury

Former world No. 2 tennis player Anett Kontaveit has announced her retirement from the sport due to a debilitating back injury. The 27-year-old Estonian made the announcement on her social media channels on Tuesday. She said that she had been diagnosed with lumbar disc degeneration, a condition that causes gradual wear and tear on the spine.

"This condition makes it impossible for me to continue competing at the highest level," Kontaveit wrote. "I am incredibly grateful for my career and for the support of my fans. I will always cherish the memories I have made on the court."

Kontaveit's retirement is a blow to the women's tennis tour. She was one of the most exciting players on the circuit and had the potential to win many more titles. However, her back injury has been a major setback, and she has decided to call it a career.

Kontaveit's career highlight came in 2021 when she reached the final of the Australian Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon. She also finished the year ranked No. 2 in the world, her highest ranking ever.

Kontaveit's retirement is a sad day for tennis fans around the world. She was a fierce competitor and a crowd favorite. She will be missed on the tennis court, but her legacy will live on.

Here are some additional details about Kontaveit's career:

• She won 6 WTA titles, including the 2021 St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy.
• She reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2020 and 2021.
• She was a member of the Estonian Fed Cup team from 2011 to 2022.

Kontaveit said that she plans to stay involved in tennis in some capacity in the future. She has not yet announced what her plans are, but she said that she is excited to explore new challenges.

We wish Anett Kontaveit all the best in her future endeavors. She is a true champion, and her legacy will be remembered for years to come.