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Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has decided to take a break throughout the rest of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to immense “emotional and mental strain.”

Other reasons involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her relatives and the relentless tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She continued, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A rest from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the outcomes, the stress, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I know I am strong and will grow by taking time off, recharging, regrouping and revitalizing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a difference, my brain, my emotions and my physical self.”

She chose to switch citizenship after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has been unable to visit her father, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, the player had concluded the recent years ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to exit the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she aims to resume in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

She is the most recent top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

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

But top-ranked player the Polish star commented last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to choose some competitions and skip them, although they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just consider what's healthy for us.”