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The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the move for contributing to immense “mental and emotional stress.”

Additional factors consisted of the continued challenge of being separated from her relatives and the relentless tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, truth be told, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she shared on social media.

She continued, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the travel, the results, the pressure, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this career.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, it's true. However, I know I am strong and will improve by being away, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my thoughts, my heart and my health.”

She opted to alter allegiance after exiting her home country due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had ended the recent years in the elite group but is now ranked 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

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

Broader Implications

Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body obligates top competitors to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked last month, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the schedule. It's possible I will have to select some competitions and omit them, although they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just focus on what's good for us.”