Aussie tennis star Destanee Aiava slams her teammates including Alex De Minaur and Lleyton Hewitt as she accuses side of ‘hostile’ behaviour
Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has made headlines after publicly criticizing her fellow teammates, including Alex de Minaur and Lleyton Hewitt, for what she described as “hostile” behavior within the Australian tennis setup. The 23-year-old, who has represented Australia in team competitions such as the Fed Cup, took to social media to express her frustration and call out what she perceives as a toxic environment.
Aiava, who has had a challenging career battling both injuries and mental health struggles, accused the team of creating an unwelcoming and unsupportive atmosphere. In her posts, she specifically mentioned feeling alienated and criticized by her peers, adding that the lack of support has made it difficult for her to thrive in the professional tennis world.
Although Aiava did not elaborate in detail about specific incidents, she pointed fingers at the Australian tennis hierarchy, singling out Lleyton Hewitt, a former World No. 1 and current Davis Cup captain, and Alex de Minaur, Australia’s top-ranked male player, for contributing to the “hostile” atmosphere. Aiava expressed disappointment that instead of fostering camaraderie and teamwork, the environment felt competitive in a negative way.
Her remarks have sparked a debate among tennis fans and insiders, with some sympathizing with Aiava’s perspective, while others defended the professionalism of players like De Minaur and Hewitt. Both De Minaur and Hewitt are known for their intense work ethics and commitment to their respective roles, but Aiava’s accusations suggest a disconnect between the younger generation and the established leadership within Australian tennis.
In response to Aiava’s claims, neither De Minaur nor Hewitt have issued public statements as of yet. However, Tennis Australia has been known to prioritize a strong team dynamic, especially in the lead-up to key tournaments like the Australian Open. Aiava’s comments have highlighted potential rifts in the unity of the Australian tennis camp.
Aiava has been open about her personal struggles, including mental health battles, which may have added complexity to her experience in the sport. Her public outburst may also reflect broader issues faced by players who feel they don’t have enough support within the professional tennis ecosystem.
As Aiava’s comments gain more attention, it remains to be seen whether this will spark changes or responses from the individuals involved or from Tennis Australia itself. For now, her claims have certainly shone a light on tensions behind the scenes in Australian tennis.
