Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Declares Temporary Pause Citing ‘Mental Stress’
Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has chosen to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”
Reasons Behind the Choice
The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the change for contributing to immense “emotional and mental strain.”
Other reasons involved the continued challenge of being away from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.
“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on social media.
She stated, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this existence.”
Individual Challenges and Return Plans
“There's only so much I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”
“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a difference, my thoughts, my heart and my health.”
Kasatkina chose to switch citizenship after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she settled in Australia and obtained permanent residency in the spring.
She then announced her engagement to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a Olympic silver for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.
Kasatkina also revealed she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for four years.
Career Context
A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, she had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is now ranked 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.
The tennis veteran announced she plans to come back in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.
Wider Context
The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.
She is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.
The tour governing body requires leading players to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.
But elite competitor the Polish star commented in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to select some competitions and omit them, even though they are mandatory.
“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just consider what's healthy for us.”
