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The nation's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen to pause her career until the end of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to immense “emotional and mental strain.”

Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on her online accounts.

She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A break from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. That said, I believe in my strength and will grow by taking time off, recharging, regrouping and reenergising. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change, my mind, my heart and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after leaving her home country due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has not seen her father, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had finished the recent years among the world's best but is currently ranked 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is projected to fall from the leading positions by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The professional athlete stated she aims to resume in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.

Wider Context

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

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to compete in a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to select some events and miss them, even though they are required.

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