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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”

Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being distant from her family and the relentless tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She stated, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the travel, the outcomes, the pressure, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after leaving her home country due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and secured long-term status in March.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, the player had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is currently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to appear at a minimum of 20 events, featuring the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. It's possible I will have to pick some events and miss them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just consider what's good for us.”