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The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to pause her career for the remainder of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The tennis professional, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the change for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental stress.”

Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her family and the demanding tour schedule.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on social media.

She stated, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I require time off. A pause from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the outcomes, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by being away, refreshing, regrouping and revitalizing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my heart and my body.”

She opted to alter citizenship after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she moved to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a second-place finish for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

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

She is expected to exit the leading positions by the time the home major takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the third leading female player to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association requires top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, including the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek commented last month, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to choose some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just think what's good for us.”