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Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has decided to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being separated from her loved ones and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, to be frank, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the outcomes, the stress, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this career.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I'm weak. But, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, refreshing, regrouping and reenergising. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my heart and my health.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she moved to Australia and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a silver medal for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

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

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, the player had ended the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.

She is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to compete in a minimum of 20 events, including the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor a leading athlete stated recently, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and omit them, although they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just consider what's good for us.”