Destanee Aiava emerges as one of Australian tennis's most promising young talents, boasting an impressive track record. She has clinched seven singles titles and 11 doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit and soared to career peaks of 147 in singles and 158 in doubles on the WTA rankings.
Notably, in 2017, she etched her name in history as the first player born in the 21st century to grace a Grand Slam tournament.
Born on May 10, 2000, in Melbourne, Victoria, Destanee Aiava is the daughter of Mark and Rosie Aiava, hailing from Samoan heritage.
Aiava's journey with tennis commenced at the tender age of five, exhibiting innate talent. Despite her rigorous tennis training, she managed to maintain a balance with her studies at Narre Warren South P-12 College.
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Aiava embarked on her professional journey in 2015, securing wildcards into esteemed events like the Burnie International and the Launceston Tennis International. Her maiden victory against Lu Jiajing in Launceston marked the beginning of a promising career.
Subsequently, she notched up achievements, including reaching her first career final in Canberra and clinching the U18 Girls’ Australian Championships in 2016, which earned her a wildcard for the 2017 Australian Open.
Debuting in the main draw of a Grand Slam at the 2017 Australian Open, Aiava made history once more as the first player born in 2000 or later to feature in such a prestigious event. While her journey at the Grand Slam events has seen initial setbacks, she has consistently showcased her prowess, securing titles and representing Australia in the Fed Cup.
In the realm of endorsements, Aiava has inked lucrative deals with prominent brands like Nike, Tecnifibre, and Head. Supported by Tennis Australia, she has accessed valuable resources for coaching, training, and travel. Estimates peg her net worth at approximately $500,000 as of 2024, complemented by a career prize money tallying $631,495 by December 2023.
Aiava's career narrative is punctuated by setbacks, including injuries and the weight of expectations. Despite grappling with physical setbacks like knee, wrist, and shoulder injuries, she remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence.
Acknowledging the mental toll of scrutiny and hype, she strives to fortify her mental resilience and sustain her competitive edge.
Destanee Aiava has found love in her long-time partner, Corey Gaal, himself a professional tennis player. Their romance blossomed when they crossed paths at a junior tournament back in 2014, and they've been inseparable ever since. The duo publicly declared their engagement in December 2021, with plans to exchange vows in 2024.
Their relationship is deeply intertwined with their shared passion for tennis, often traveling and honing their skills together, while offering unwavering support to each other's careers.
Moreover, their mutual affection extends to their shared adoration for animals, as evidenced by their two beloved dogs, Coco and Milo.
Destanee Aiava has encountered significant hurdles concerning her mental well-being. She disclosed a harrowing experience when, on Easter Sunday in 2022, she attempted to end her life due to feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness about her future.
Fortunately, she was rescued by three strangers who intervened as she stood on a bridge, ultimately driving her home. After bravely sharing her story on Instagram, she received an outpouring of support from her fans and peers.
Struggling to balance her tennis career with her personal life, Aiava has often felt overwhelmed by the expectations and pressures accompanying her status as a young tennis prodigy.
Acknowledging the need to bolster her mental grit, she has sought professional assistance and launched a podcast called “Chaotic Minds,” where she candidly discusses her life and challenges.
Despite these adversities, Aiava has exhibited remarkable courage and resilience. Her determination is evident in her recent successes, including securing an Australian Pro Tour title in November 2023 and making strides in the Australian Open 2023 qualifying rounds. Positioned as one of the bright talents in Australian tennis, Aiava's future looks promising.
Aiava's upbringing is steeped in a culture of sporting enthusiasm, with her parents, Mark and Rosie, nurturing her aspirations with unwavering support. Mark, a former rugby player turned tennis coach, has been instrumental in her training, while Rosie, a former netball player and nurse, offers invaluable emotional support. Together with her younger brother, Isaiah, a budding basketball talent, the Aiava family stands as a pillar of encouragement and pride in Destanee's journey.
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