Anett Kontaveit has spent most of this week having her Wimbledon farewell delayed with rain delays and also criticism on Twitter surrounding her court placings.

But there was fans this time as the former World No.2 bowed out on Thursday afternoon at the age of only 27 due to persistent back injuries.

Losing 6-1, 6-2 to Marie Bouzkova after defeating Lucrezia Stefanini yesterday, Kontaveit will always potentially be a question of what if after an exceptional 2021 season.

It saw her ascend to World Number Two and seal six WTA titles overall in her career, mostly in that season.

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In particular indoor hard courts were a true match made in heaven during that era and going into the 2022 Australian Open, she was one of the favourites to lift the title.

But just as it seemed that she was up in the elite with Iga Swiatek as World No.1, a drop in form, fitness struggles reared their head.

A great what if as career best form turned to nightmare

But worst of all back injuries as she ended her 2022 season in a polar opposite to the start with no form and not being able to buy a win on her return in 2023.

After losing to Shelby Rogers through retirement in Abu Dhabi, she had a two-month injury break and soon after announced her retirement from the sport.

“Today I am announcing that I am ending my career as a competitive athlete,” she said on social media on announcing her shock retirement.

“After several doctor's visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back. 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.

"Tennis has given and taught me a lot, and I am very grateful for that. It has been important for me to bring the Estonian flag to the tennis courts and to be able to play in front of my supporters and fans all over the world.

Players including Jabeur tried to make Kontaveit reconsider

But amid all of the support she has received this week from fans, players have also rallied around the popular Estonian.

Ons Jabeur this week who is close friends with Kontaveit said that she tried to convince her to continue but it didn't work out.

"As a close friend I knew before. I was very very sad. I tried to convince her not to but it didn't work out. But it's her decision. It's also nice to see someone know what they're doing & she knows exactly that she wants to retire & move on."

A coaxing that Kontaveit herself actually appreciated. "It's really sweet they're trying. A lot of people tried. These decisions, because I can't play without pain pretty much the whole match, it was something I considered for a long time. It was a difficult decision & once I decide something big, I don't usually start doubting it."

One final hoorah will come in the mixed doubles playing with Emil Ruusuvouri but in terms of her singles career, it is now over abruptly but on her own terms.

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Mario Boccardi

@marioboc17

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THANK YOU ANETT KONTAVEIT ❤️

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