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

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the move for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Other reasons involved the persistent struggle of being away from her family and the demanding tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, to be frank, my results and performances reflect that,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the pressure, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I believe in my strength and will grow by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my feelings and my health.”

Kasatkina chose to switch nationality after departing her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

She additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, she had finished the last four calendar years among the world's best but is now ranked 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to exit the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.

The tennis veteran stated she plans to come back in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

Australia's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA obligates leading players to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 a leading athlete stated last month, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the itinerary. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and skip them, even though they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's healthy for us.”