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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has decided to step away throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the move for contributing to immense “psychological strain.”

Other reasons included the continued challenge of being separated from her relatives and the demanding circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She continued, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A break from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the stress, the same faces (sorry, girls), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I believe in my strength and will improve by stepping back, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my physical self.”

Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she relocated to Australia and obtained permanent residency in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a Olympic silver for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had finished the last four calendar years among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

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

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the latest leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA requires top competitors to appear at a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to select some events and skip them, even though they are mandatory.

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