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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to significant “emotional and mental stress.”

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the relentless tour schedule.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She continued, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the results, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, refreshing, regrouping and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my mind, my heart and my health.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she moved to her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been separated from her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

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

The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam expected to be a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

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

The tour governing body obligates leading players to compete in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked in the past, “There's no way to accommodate everything the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, although they are mandatory.

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