Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Announces Season Hiatus Citing ‘Mental Stress’
The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has decided to pause her career for the remainder of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”
Causes of the Announcement
The tennis professional, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to significant “mental and emotional pressure.”
Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the grueling tour schedule.
“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, to be frank, my results and performances reflect that,” she shared on digital platforms.
She continued, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I need a break. A rest from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the pressure, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this career.”
Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals
“I can only handle I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, it's true. That said, I believe in my strength and will improve by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and reenergising. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my feelings and my health.”
The athlete opted to alter allegiance after leaving Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in March.
She later got engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her native Estonia.
The tennis star further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.
Professional Background
A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had ended the recent years in the elite group but is presently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.
She is expected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the Australian Open begins.
The tennis veteran confirmed she aims to resume in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.
Industry Impact
The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.
Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The tour governing body obligates leading players to compete in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.
But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.
“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”