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The nation's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Causes of the Announcement

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

Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the relentless circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on digital platforms.

She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A break from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the pressure, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this life.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, it's true. That said, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, recharging, regrouping and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change, my thoughts, my feelings and my physical self.”

The athlete opted to alter citizenship after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in Australia and secured long-term status in March.

She then announced her engagement to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a second-place finish for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete announced she aims to resume in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

She is the third leading female player to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates elite athletes to appear at a minimum of 20 events, featuring the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete stated last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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