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

Factors Leading to the Decision

The tennis professional, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional pressure.”

Other reasons included the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She stated, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A break from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this career.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by stepping back, resting, regrouping and revitalizing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my body.”

She decided to change nationality after departing Russia due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she settled in Australia and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has not seen her father, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, she had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is now outside the top 15 after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to fall from the top 20 by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the latest top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA requires elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player the Polish star commented in the past, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the itinerary. It's possible I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are required.

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