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The nation's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Announcement

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental pressure.”

Further contributors consisted of the persistent struggle of being distant from her relatives and the demanding circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she shared on her online accounts.

She continued, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), each element involved in this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, it's true. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by being away, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my emotions and my body.”

She chose to switch citizenship after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she moved to Australia and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

She also revealed she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, she had finished the recent years among the world's best but is presently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to drop out of the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the latest leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA obligates leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, featuring the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented recently, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the itinerary. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, although they are mandatory.

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