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Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to step away for the remainder of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to immense “emotional and mental strain.”

Further contributors involved the continued challenge of being away from her loved ones and the grueling competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on social media.

She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I require time off. A pause from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the pressure, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this life.”

Private Difficulties 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, I'm weak. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by taking time off, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my thoughts, my feelings and my health.”

Kasatkina opted to alter nationality after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she relocated to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a Olympic silver for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, the player had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The professional athlete confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

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

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association requires elite athletes to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor a leading athlete remarked in the past, “There's no way to fit it all in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”