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The nation's leading WTA competitor has opted to pause her career for the remainder of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Causes of the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to immense “emotional and mental stress.”

Further contributors consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the relentless tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she wrote on social media.

She continued, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the constant packing, the outcomes, the pressure, the same faces (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“Each person has a limit I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, I am fragile. That said, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by being away, resting, recalibrating and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a difference, my brain, my heart and my body.”

The athlete decided to change allegiance after departing her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she moved to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been unable to visit her dad, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, Kasatkina had ended the previous four seasons in the elite group but is presently ranked 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The tennis veteran confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her domestic major expected to be a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to participate in a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek stated last month, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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