Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Reveals Temporary Pause Citing ‘Psychological Pressure’
The nation's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen 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 Australian No. 1, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the transition for contributing to considerable “psychological stress.”
Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.
“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, truth be told, my on-court achievements show it,” she posted on digital platforms.
She added, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), all aspects of this existence.”
Private Difficulties and Return Plans
“I can only handle I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”
“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”
The athlete chose to switch citizenship after exiting Russia due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to Australia and obtained permanent residency in the spring.
She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her native Estonia.
Kasatkina also revealed she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.
Professional Background
A French Open semi-finalist in the past, she had finished the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.
She is likely to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open begins.
The tennis veteran announced she plans to come back in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a return target.
Wider Context
The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.
Kasatkina is the third leading female player to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.
But elite competitor the Polish star stated recently, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the schedule. Perhaps I will have to choose some competitions and omit them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.
“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just think what's healthy for us.”
