Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Reveals Temporary Pause Citing ‘Emotional Strain’
Australia's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to step away until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”
Causes of the Choice
The tennis professional, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the move for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional strain.”
Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the grueling circuit routine.
“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she shared on digital platforms.
She added, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the travel, the outcomes, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), all aspects of this existence.”
Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals
“I can only handle I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”
“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, resting, regrouping and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a change, my thoughts, my heart and my body.”
Kasatkina chose to switch citizenship after leaving her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she relocated to Melbourne and secured long-term status in March.
She subsequently became engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a silver medal for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.
Kasatkina also revealed she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.
Professional Background
A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, Kasatkina had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is expected to exit the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.
The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam expected to be a return target.
Broader Implications
The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.
She is the most recent top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.
The Women's Tennis Association obligates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, including the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.
But world No. 2 a leading athlete commented in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are required.
“It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”