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The nation's leading female tennis athlete has chosen to step away throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

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

Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being distant from her family and the relentless tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She continued, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I need a break. A break from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the outcomes, the expectations, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this career.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by taking time off, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my thoughts, my feelings and my body.”

Kasatkina decided to change nationality after leaving her home country due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she moved to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a second-place finish for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

She further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, she had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is now 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The tennis veteran announced she plans to come back in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

Australia's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the third top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body obligates elite athletes to appear at a required schedule, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. It's possible I will have to choose some events and skip them, although they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”