Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Reveals Season Hiatus Over ‘Mental Stress’
The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has chosen to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”
Reasons Behind the Announcement
The tennis professional, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “emotional and mental strain.”
Additional factors included the continued challenge of being separated from her family and the relentless competition calendar.
“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she wrote on her online accounts.
She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”
Personal Struggles and Future Hopes
“I can only handle I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, it's true. But, I know I am strong and will improve by being away, recharging, reorganizing and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my physical self.”
Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after leaving her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.
She later got engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a silver medal for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.
She also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.
Career Context
A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, she had concluded the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently ranked 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.
She is expected to fall from the top 20 by the time the Australian Open takes place.
The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.
Wider Context
The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.
Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.
But elite competitor the Polish star stated last month, “There's no way to fit it all in the calendar. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, although they are mandatory.
“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”