Anett Kontaveit has said that her last match will be emotional as she is set for retirement after Wimbledon.

Former world No. 2 Kontaveit is expecting that it will 'be very difficult to stay composed' when she finishes her last match in her professional tennis career at Wimbledon 2023.

Despite only being 27 years old, the Estonian has been struggling with a back injury that will only get worse if she continues to play. This led to her announcing her retirement on Instagram a few weeks ago.

In the post, she wrote that "After several doctor's visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back", before adding that "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."

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A short-lived comeback

Kontaveit's announcement comes not long after her comeback on the WTA Tour, after having originally been out as she tried to recover from injury. She played in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers in April, before getting her first win in three months at the Italian Open in May, where she beat world No. 43 Alycia Parks in straight sets.

At the time, Kontaveit was displaying an ambition to re-gain her spot in the top 10 of the WTA world rankings. Unfortunately, though, it was not meant to be.

Injury affecting daily life

Speaking to iNews, Kontaveit related the extent to which her complicated back injury is affecting not only her ability to compete, but to do everyday things,

"When I stand up for a while, it starts aching. When I sit for too long starts aching. So when I do like normal things, I feel it as well."

Therefore, it is very clear why she has decided that continuing her tennis career simply isn't worth it. However, this won't stop her from getting emotional when she plays for the last time at the SW19,

"I can be composed and everything but there was definitely a time where I was getting very teary-eyed every time I talked about it. I think when the match is finished, it's going to be very difficult to stay composed."

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What next for Kontaveit?

Kontaveit is being followed by Netflix cameras at Wimbledon, but once the filming stops, she is looking forward to being at home. In terms of her next career, she will be pursuing her studies in psychology. Most importantly, though, she will be trying to live a less intense lifestyle,

"I think it's important for me to learn how to relax a little bit", she said.