"She was able to treat other players as people": Swiatek lauds Kontaveit on recent retirement, calls her a 'great person'

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek commented on Anett Kontaveit's recent retirement from the WTA tour.

A few weeks ago, Estonian player Anett Kontaveit announced her definitive retirement from professional tennis, less than a year after reaching her career-best ranking as world No. 2 in 2022.

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At 27 years old, she decided to step away from the professional circuit due to ongoing back issues that have been hindering her ability to play regularly. The persistent injury prevented Kontaveit from continuing her career as a professional athlete, and Wimbledon became her final competition.

In the singles draw, she defeated Luiza Stefanini in the first round, but then suffered a comprehensive loss to Czech player Marie Bouzkova in the second round, marking her last match.

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In regard to Kontaveit's situation, Iga Swiatek shared her thoughts on the Estonian's career ending. The two players faced each other five times, with Kontaveit securing two victories and Swiatek claiming three wins.

“I didn't know Anett was planning to retire. However, she knew that she had been struggling with health problems for some time,” Swiatek said.

“Anett is a great person, we trained together many times. She was able to treat other players as people & not only all the time as rivals, like a threat. She brought a good atmosphere to the tour,” 4-time Grand Slam champion added.

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Iga Swiatek has kind words for Anett Kontaveit: “Anett is a great person, we trained together many times. She was able to treat other players as people & not only all the time as rivals, like a threat. She brought a good atmosphere to the tour.” ❤️

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Kontaveit's retirement came as a surprise to both spectators and fellow athletes on the WTA tour. According to the runner-up of the 2021 WTA Finals, after her last match at Wimbledon, she received appreciation and support from her colleagues.

“Everyone's been really nice and said some really nice and kind words, wishing me luck for the next chapters. It's been very heartwarming and I appreciate that they're all so nice and supportive about it.

I think I was a pretty social person, and so I'm really glad that there are so many girls who care about me, who I get along with, and who really wish me well,” Kontaveit said.

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🇪🇪 Anett Kontaveit takes down Simona Halep 6-2, 6-3 to win her fourth title of 2021!

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