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Australia's leading WTA competitor has decided to take a break for the remainder of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the move for contributing to immense “mental and emotional strain.”

Other reasons involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the relentless competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A break from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. That said, I believe in my strength and will grow by stepping back, recharging, regrouping and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my brain, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete opted to alter nationality after departing her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she settled in Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in March.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

She also revealed she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in 2022, Kasatkina had finished the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam expected to be a return target.

Broader Implications

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent leading female player to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete stated recently, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the calendar. Perhaps I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, although they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”