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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to take a break throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The tennis professional, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental pressure.”

Additional factors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her relatives and the relentless circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court achievements show it,” she posted on social media.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I need a break. A rest from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the expectations, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

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

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, it's true. But, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, recharging, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete opted to alter nationality after exiting Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the government's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and secured long-term status in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has been separated from her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the home major takes place.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

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

The tour governing body mandates leading players to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, although they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's healthy for us.”