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Australia's leading women's tennis player has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to considerable “psychological strain.”

Additional factors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, to be frank, my on-court achievements show it,” she shared on social media.

She continued, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this life.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, refreshing, regrouping and revitalizing. It's time I listened to myself for a shift, my mind, my heart and my health.”

She chose to switch nationality after leaving Russia due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in the spring.

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

The tennis star further mentioned she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had finished the last four calendar years among the world's best but is now outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA obligates top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are mandatory.

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