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

Causes of the Choice

The tennis professional, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the change for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional stress.”

Other reasons involved the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her relatives and the grueling tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, truth be told, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she posted on social media.

She added, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A break from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the expectations, the same faces (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my mind, my heart and my health.”

Kasatkina opted to alter allegiance after departing her home country due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, she had finished the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to fall from the leading positions by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her domestic major expected to be a key objective.

Broader Implications

Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA requires elite athletes to compete in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek stated recently, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the calendar. Maybe I will have to select some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just consider what's beneficial for us.”