Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Declares Temporary Pause Citing ‘Mental Stress’

The nation's leading women's tennis player has opted to take a break for the remainder of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Choice

The tennis professional, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental stress.”

Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being separated from her family and the grueling tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this career.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I know I am strong and will improve by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and reenergising. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my thoughts, my heart and my physical self.”

The athlete opted to alter nationality after leaving Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who won a silver medal for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, the player had concluded the recent years ranked in the top ten but is presently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to fall from the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The tennis veteran stated she plans to come back in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

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

She is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association requires leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player the Polish star stated recently, “There's no way to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to pick some events and omit them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just focus on what's healthy for us.”