Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Announces Career Break Citing ‘Mental Stress’
Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has opted to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”
Causes of the Announcement
The tennis professional, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional pressure.”
Further contributors involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.
“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, truth be told, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on digital platforms.
She stated, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I need a break. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the stress, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this existence.”
Personal Struggles and Future Hopes
“There's only so much I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”
“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, regrouping and revitalizing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a change, my mind, my feelings and my body.”
She opted to alter citizenship after exiting Russia due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she moved to Australia and became a permanent resident in the spring.
She subsequently became engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.
Kasatkina additionally shared she has been unable to visit her parent, who remains in Russia, for several years.
Professional Background
A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had finished the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.
The 28-year-old stated she plans to come back in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam likely serving as a comeback goal.
Industry Impact
The nation's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.
Kasatkina is the third leading female player to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.
The WTA requires top competitors to participate in a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.
But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek commented last month, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and omit them, although they are required.
“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just focus on what's good for us.”