🔗 Share this article

Australia's leading WTA competitor has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The tennis professional, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Additional factors included the continued challenge of being separated from her family and the relentless tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She continued, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the pressure, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I know I am strong and will improve by being away, resting, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a difference, my thoughts, my heart and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch nationality after departing her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she relocated to her new home and obtained permanent residency in March.

She subsequently became engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a second-place finish for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She further mentioned she has not seen her father, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, the player had concluded the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open begins.

The tennis veteran stated she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

She is the third top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated in the past, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and skip them, even though they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just consider what's beneficial for us.”