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The nation's top-ranked female tennis athlete has opted to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the transition for contributing to immense “mental and emotional pressure.”

Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her family and the demanding competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the suitcases, the scores, the stress, the same faces (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. That said, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by being away, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my brain, my heart and my health.”

She opted to alter citizenship after exiting Russia due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the country's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she moved to Australia and became a permanent resident in March.

She then announced her engagement to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, she had concluded the last four calendar years in the elite group but is now 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open begins.

The 28-year-old announced she plans to come back in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA obligates elite athletes to participate in a required schedule, including the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 a leading athlete stated in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and omit them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just think what's beneficial for us.”