Destanee Aiava’s story is one of resilience, love, and smashing records. In 2025, the 24-year-old Australian tennis star made headlines by qualifying for the Australian Open’s second round—her best Grand Slam performance yet—while rocking vintage dresses once worn by legends like Caroline Wozniacki.
But behind the scenes, her journey has been a rollercoaster of mental health battles, a supportive marriage, and a career resurgence. Let’s break down her net worth, career highlights, and the man who’s been her rock through it all.
Destanee Aiava’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Destanee Gabriella Aiava |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 2000 |
| Age | 24 years |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5’9” (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 154 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.2–1.5 million |
| Career Earnings | $1,038,787 |
| Husband | Corey Gaal |
| @destaneeaiava |
Early Career
Destanee Aiava’s tennis journey began at the tender age of four when she watched Serena Williams win the 2005 Australian Open. This moment ignited her passion for the sport and set her on a path to greatness.
By age 12, Aiava was already making waves on the international stage, representing Australia at the Longines Future Tennis Aces Tournament in Paris, where she emerged victorious and played an exhibition match with tennis legend Steffi Graf.
Aiava’s talent truly blossomed in 2014 when she claimed five ITF junior titles, including the prestigious U18 Canadian World Ranking Event. She compiled an impressive 41-7 record on the ITF junior circuit that year, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. In both 2014 and 2015, Aiava reached the third round of the Australian Open Junior Championships, further cementing her status as a rising star.
The young prodigy’s meteoric rise continued, and at just 16, she etched her name in the history books as the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a Grand Slam main draw at the 2017 Australian Open.
This groundbreaking achievement not only showcased her exceptional skills but also solidified her status as one of tennis’s most promising young talents. Aiava’s professional debut was equally impressive, as she reached the quarterfinals of a $15,000 ITF event in Melbourne in just her fourth pro tournament.
Professional Career
Destanee Aiava turned professional in 2015, marking the beginning of a career filled with both triumphs and challenges. Her breakthrough came at the 2017 Brisbane International, where she not only qualified for the main draw but also secured her first WTA Tour-level victory by defeating Bethanie Mattek-Sands. This impressive performance propelled her into the spotlight and helped her crack the top 150 in the WTA rankings later that year.
The following years saw Aiava navigate the ups and downs of professional tennis. In 2018, she claimed her first overseas professional title in Osaka, Japan, demonstrating her ability to compete on the global stage. Her talent shone brightly in 2019 when she stunned then-world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a tournament in the Netherlands, proving she could hold her own against the sport’s elite players.
However, Aiava’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. She faced periods of inconsistency and battled mental health issues, which led to a hiatus from the sport in 2022. During this time, she bravely opened up about her struggles with borderline personality disorder and feelings of unworthiness, shedding light on the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by professional athletes.
Aiava’s resilience and determination shone through as she made a comeback in 2023, gradually rebuilding her form and confidence. Her hard work paid off in 2024 when she qualified for the US Open, joining four other Australian women in the main draw. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her comeback journey and reignited her passion for the sport.
The year 2025 proved to be a turning point for Aiava. At the Australian Open, she staged a thrilling comeback in the first round, saving two match points against Greet Minnen to secure her first Grand Slam victory. This performance not only showcased her improved mental toughness but also highlighted her ability to perform under pressure on home soil.
Throughout her professional career, Aiava has demonstrated a unique style both on and off the court. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play, she has also gained attention for her fashion choices, often sporting vintage dresses once worn by tennis legends during tournaments. This blend of skill and style has helped her carve out a distinct identity in the competitive world of professional tennis.
Aiava has climbed back up the rankings to reach No. 150 globally and No. 10 among Australian players. With her husband, Corey Gaal, now serving as her coach, she continues to work on improving her game and mental resilience. Aiava’s professional journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, showcasing how athletes can overcome personal challenges to succeed at the highest levels of their sport.
Husband
Destanee Aiava is married to Corey Gaal, a former junior tennis player who now serves as her coach and partner. The couple began dating in 2017 and got engaged in February 2023, before tying the knot in December of the same year. Corey Gaal has been instrumental in supporting Aiava through her mental health struggles and career challenges.
He has a current singles ranking of 1277 and has been a constant presence on her tour, providing emotional support and helping her manage the pressures of professional tennis. Gaal’s support has been crucial in Aiava’s recent resurgence, including her historic win at the 2025 Australian Open. Despite his own tennis background, Gaal has shifted his focus to coaching and supporting Aiava, both on and off the court.
Destanee Aiava’s Net Worth Details
Destanee Aiava’s net worth is estimated to be $1.2-1.5 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money | Singles Titles | Doubles Titles | Singles W-L Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $151,775 | 0 | 0 | 11-5 |
| 2024 | $255,517 | 0 | 0 | 44-26 |
| 2023 | $68,250 | 0 | 0 | 47-24 |
| 2022 | $42,856 | 0 | 0 | 32-13 |
| 2021 | $106,359 | 0 | 0 | 3-11 |
| 2020 | $51,798 | 0 | 0 | 13-6 |
| 2019 | $132,246 | 0 | 0 | 25-26 |
| 2018 | $90,513 | 1 (ITF) | 0 | 25-18 |
| 2017 | $123,745 | 2 (ITF) | 0 | 33-15 |
Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Career Singles Record | 261-163 |
| Career Doubles Record | 142-88 |
| Highest Singles Ranking | No. 147 (September 11, 2017) |
| Current Singles Ranking | No. 148 (March 3, 2025) |
| Highest Doubles Ranking | No. 133 (August 5, 2024) |
| Current Doubles Ranking | No. 158 (November 18, 2024) |
| Career Singles Titles | 10 ITF |
| Career Doubles Titles | 14 ITF |
| Career Prize Money | $1,038,787 |
| Grand Slam Best Result (Singles) | 2R (Australian Open 2025) |
| Grand Slam Best Result (Doubles) | 2R (Australian Open 2024) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
FAQs
1. Who is Destanee Aiava?
Destanee Aiava is an Australian professional tennis player born on May 10, 2000, in Melbourne, Australia. She became the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a Grand Slam main draw at the 2017 Australian Open. Known for her powerful game and resilience, Aiava has achieved career-high rankings of No. 147 in singles and No. 133 in doubles. She has won multiple ITF titles and continues to represent Australia on the global tennis stage.
2. What are Destanee Aiava’s career achievements?
Destanee Aiava’s notable achievements include winning nine singles and thirteen doubles titles on the ITF circuit. She made history as the first player born in the 2000s to play in a Grand Slam main draw at the 2017 Australian Open. Her career highlights also include defeating top-ranked players like Aryna Sabalenka and representing Australia in the Fed Cup. In 2025, she reached the second round of the Australian Open, marking her best Grand Slam performance.
3. What is Destanee Aiava’s current ranking?
As of March 2025, Destanee Aiava is ranked No. 148 in singles and No. 158 in doubles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). She holds the position of No. 10 among Australian women players, showcasing her steady progress on both national and international levels despite challenges in her career.
4. Who are Destanee Aiava’s parents?
Destanee Aiava’s parents are Mark and Rosie Aiava, both athletes with strong sports backgrounds. Mark, originally from New Zealand with Samoan heritage, was a powerlifter turned personal trainer. Rosie, born in American Samoa, was a professional rugby player for Australia’s national team, the Wallaroos. Their athleticism and guidance played a crucial role in shaping Destanee’s tennis career from an early age.
5. Who is Destanee Aiava’s husband?
Destanee Aiava is married to Corey Gaal, a former junior tennis player turned coach. The couple tied the knot in December 2023 after dating for several years. Corey has been a significant support system for Destanee both personally and professionally, helping her navigate mental health challenges and coaching her during her tennis comeback in recent years.
6. How has mental health impacted Destanee Aiava’s career?
Destanee Aiava has openly discussed her struggles with mental health, including borderline personality disorder and suicidal thoughts during her early twenties. She took a hiatus from tennis to focus on recovery and emerged stronger, using her experiences to advocate for mental health awareness in sports. Her resilience has inspired many young athletes facing similar challenges.
7. What are Destanee Aiava’s career earnings?
As of March 2025, Destanee Aiava has earned $1,038,787 in career prize money through singles and doubles competitions on the WTA Tour and ITF circuit. Her earnings reflect consistent performances over several years despite limited sponsorship opportunities due to her lower rankings outside the top 100 players globally.
8. What makes Destanee Aiava unique on the tennis court?
Destanee Aiava stands out for her powerful playing style and distinctive fashion choices during matches. In recent tournaments, she has worn vintage dresses once donned by tennis legends like Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki, sourced from platforms like eBay. Her creativity extends beyond tennis as she hopes to pursue a degree in fashion design while continuing her professional career.
9. What are Destanee Aiava’s plans for the future?
Destanee Aiava aims to break into the top 100 rankings while continuing to compete at major tournaments like Grand Slams and WTA events. She also plans to explore fashion design as a potential career path post-tennis while advocating for mental health awareness among athletes from diverse backgrounds like hers.
10. How does Destanee Aiava inspire Pacific Islander communities?
Destanee Aiava inspires Pacific Islander communities by breaking barriers as one of the few Samoan-Australian players on the global tennis stage. She frequently receives messages from parents who credit her for encouraging their children to take up tennis instead of traditional sports like rugby or netball, highlighting her influence as a role model within these communities worldwide.
