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Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has decided to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental stress.”

Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by stepping back, refreshing, regrouping and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my brain, my emotions and my physical self.”

The athlete decided to change nationality after exiting Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to Australia and secured long-term status in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been separated from her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, Kasatkina had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to fall from the leading positions by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam expected to be a key objective.

Broader Implications

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

She is the third elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association requires leading players to participate in a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “There's no way to fit it all in the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, even though they are obligatory.

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