🔗 Share this article

The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has chosen to pause her career until the end of the current year, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the transition for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being away from her family and the demanding competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she shared on social media.

She continued, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the results, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), each element involved in this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I believe in my strength and will improve by stepping back, refreshing, recalibrating and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete opted to alter citizenship after leaving Russia due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she settled in Australia and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who won a silver medal for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in recent years, the player had ended the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The 28-year-old announced she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the latest top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA requires leading players to participate in a required schedule, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented in the past, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the calendar. It's possible I will have to pick some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just focus on what's good for us.”