Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Declares Season Hiatus Due to ‘Emotional Strain’

Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to take a break until the end of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

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

Further contributors consisted of the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the relentless competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She continued, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I need a break. A break from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the travel, the results, the stress, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by being away, refreshing, regrouping and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a shift, my mind, my feelings and my health.”

Kasatkina opted to alter allegiance after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she moved to Australia and became a permanent resident in March.

She later got engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

She additionally shared she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, the player had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The professional athlete announced she will return in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

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

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body requires leading players to compete in a minimum of 20 events, including the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 a leading athlete remarked last month, “There's no way to squeeze it in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to choose some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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