Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Announces Temporary Pause Due to ‘Psychological Pressure’

The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to considerable “psychological strain.”

Other reasons consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the grueling circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She added, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I need a break. A break from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the pressure, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, it's true. But, I know I am strong and will improve by taking time off, resting, regrouping and revitalizing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my brain, my emotions and my health.”

She opted to alter allegiance after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she moved to her new home and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been unable to visit her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, Kasatkina had finished the last four calendar years in the elite group but is currently ranked 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The professional athlete announced she will return in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her domestic major expected to be a key objective.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

She is the most recent elite athlete to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA mandates elite athletes to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor a leading athlete remarked last month, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the calendar. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, even though they are obligatory.

“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just consider what's healthy for us.”