Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Declares Career Break Over ‘Psychological Pressure’
Australia's leading women's tennis player has opted to take a break throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”
Factors Leading to the Announcement
The tennis professional, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the move for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional stress.”
Other reasons included the continued challenge of being away from her relatives and the demanding competition calendar.
“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she shared on her online accounts.
She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A break from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the pressure, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.”
Individual Challenges and Return Plans
“There's only so much I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I know I am strong and will grow by being away, recharging, regrouping and renewing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a shift, my mind, my heart and my physical self.”
Kasatkina opted to alter citizenship after leaving her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and secured long-term status in the spring.
She then announced her engagement to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a Olympic silver for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.
Kasatkina also revealed she has been unable to visit her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.
Tennis Journey
A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, the player had finished the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is likely to exit the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.
The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a comeback goal.
Broader Implications
The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.
The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The tour governing body requires top competitors to participate in a minimum of 20 events, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.
But elite competitor the Polish star stated recently, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some events and omit them, although they are mandatory.
“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just think what's good for us.”
