Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Reveals Temporary Pause Due to ‘Emotional Strain’

Australia's leading female tennis athlete has decided to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Causes of the Announcement

The tennis professional, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the change for contributing to considerable “psychological strain.”

Other reasons included the ongoing difficulty of being away from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she shared on her online accounts.

She stated, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the pressure, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, it's true. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a difference, my brain, my heart and my health.”

She opted to alter allegiance after leaving her home country 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 the UAE, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

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

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in the past, Kasatkina had concluded the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is now 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.

The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the most recent leading female player to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA obligates elite athletes to appear at a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek stated last month, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to pick some events and omit them, although they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”