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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has opted to take a break for the remainder of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

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

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being away from her relatives and the demanding circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She stated, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by stepping back, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a change, my mind, my emotions and my body.”

She opted to alter allegiance after exiting her home country due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to Melbourne and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

She also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, Kasatkina had finished the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is presently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The 28-year-old confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association requires top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 a leading athlete remarked recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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