World No 3 Anett Kontaveit has announced that she is dealing with a back issue and that her 2022 season is over. Kontaveit, 26, was scheduled to compete in Guadalajara next week. Kontaveit played in Ostrava last week, where she was forced to retire her first round match to Tereza Martincova.
“Hiii guys! Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in Guadalajara this year as my back is still hurting since Ostrava. I really hope to come back to Mexico next year as I have so many good memories of my time there!
This means that it is the end of my 2022 season. This year has had absolutely everything. One of the hardest and happiest moments in my career and they all happen so we can learn from them and come out stronger on the other end.
Can’t wait to see you all again in 2023! And I am very very grateful for everyone’s continuous support 🫶🏼 Take care! Anett,” Kontaveit wrote on Instagram.
Kontaveit made four finals in 2022
After winning four titles in late 2021, Kontaveit was hoping to continue her rise in 2022 and win a WTA 1000 or a Grand Slam title.
Unfortunately, Kontaveit didn’t make a breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage. However, Kontaveit did make four finals in the lower levels. Kontaveit made her first final of the year in St Petersburg, where she defeated Maria Sakkari in the final.
After winning St Petersburg, Kontaveit lost her next three finals in Doha, Hamburg, and Tallinn. At the Grand Slam level – where Kontaveit was aiming to make some noise – she didn’t really do much. Kontaveit suffered a first round defeat at the French Open, while she picked up second round exits at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. However, it should be noted that Kontaveit was hampered this year with the effects of long COVID-19.