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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the move for contributing to considerable “psychological strain.”

Further contributors involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her relatives and the grueling competition calendar.

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

She added, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I require time off. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this career.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. But, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by taking time off, recharging, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my emotions and my health.”

Kasatkina chose to switch citizenship after departing her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she moved to her new home and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

She also revealed she has been unable to visit her father, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, she had concluded the previous four seasons in the elite group but is now outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body mandates elite athletes to appear at a set number of tournaments, featuring the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented last month, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the calendar. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and miss them, even though they are required.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”