Elina Svitolina Ends 2025 Season Early Citing Mental Health Concerns

Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian tennis player and former world number three, has decided to end her 2025 season early to focus on her mental health, citing that she is not in the "right emotional space" to continue competing. After returning to the tour in 2023 following maternity leave, Svitolina had a consistent year with quarter-final appearances at the Australian Open and French Open, and a semifinal at the Madrid Open, but struggled with form later in the season, including a first-round exit at the US Open. She emphasized that tennis is about being ready to fight and give one's all, but currently she is not at the mental or emotional level to do so, and she is prioritizing rest and healing rather than forcing herself to play. Svitolina's decision follows her contribution to Ukraine reaching the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals, where she lost in three sets to Jasmine Paolini. She also noted the emotional toll from online abuse and death threats after a defeat earlier in the year. Svitolina plans to return to the sport only when she feels ready to compete fully for herself, the fans, and the game.