“It feels like I let my teammates and my country down, and that pain is not easy to carry…” Elina Svitolina was left completely devastated after that heartbreaking outcome in Shenzhen last week. Ukraine’s dream of making it to the maiden summit clash of the Billie Jean King Cup was shattered with a loss to eventual champion Italy. Moreover, the result seems to have deeply affected the former US Open semifinalist and World No.13. So much so that she recently made a shocking announcement, leaving everyone stunned and concerned for her wellbeing.

Svitolina took to her Instagram account on September 23 to pen an emotional note. To be specific, it was a decision she had to make after the mental and emotional struggles that she had been through as a player this season. The post read, “I haven’t been feeling like myself lately. I’m not in the right emotional space, and I don’t feel ready to play, so I am therefore ending the season here.”

The two-time Wimbledon semifinalist mentioned that “Over the years, I’ve learned that this sport isn’t about money, fame, or rankings—it’s about being ready to fight and to give your all.” Explaining her situation, she underlined, “Right now, I’m simply not at the level mentally or emotionally to do that.” The former World No.3 made it clear that she currently wants to give herself “the space I need to heal and recharge, instead of forcing it”

The tennis fraternity took notice of Svitolina’s pain as some of her WTA counterparts tried to give her strength. Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens applauded her courage to speak her heart out. The American player wrote, “Proud of you ❤️ Supporting you always!” Moreover, former stars Caroline Garcia and four-time slam winner Kim Clijsters also supported Svitolina with a “❤️” emoji.

While Svitolina didn’t mention the BJK setback as one of the reasons, it surely might have a played a role in her decision making. For the uninitiated, Italy beat Ukraine 2-1 in the semis of the 2025 edition in Shenzhen. Ukraine actually had a chance to make it to the final. But one match turned the fortunes upside down.

Elina Svitolina blames herself for Ukraine’s Billie Jean King Cup loss

Prior to the semifinal clash with Italy, Ukraine’s team was looking strong to create history this time. In fact, they had a great start as well against their opponents. During the first singles encounter, Marta Kostyuk bested Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-3.

One more win in the next singles match and Ukraine would have qualified for its first BJK Cup final. Elina Svitolina faced Jasmine Paolini in the next battle, and it was a close fight. Interestingly, Svitolina had the edge after winning the first set but failed to maintain the lead. As a result, Paolini managed to come back and eventually snatched the match with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Her win leveled the semifinal battle at 1-1.

In the end, the doubles match came into the equation as a deciding factor. And Paolini and Sara Errani didn’t disappoint against the pair of Kostyuk and Lyudmyla Kichenok. The Italian duo won the match, providing a final 2-1 lead to their nation.

Following the result, Svitolina shared a note on social media where she admitted, “Yesterday’s loss @billiejeankingcup was absolutely heartbreaking 💔” while adding that “I let my teammates and my country down, and that pain is not easy to carry…”

However, she also mentioned she “couldn’t be prouder to stand with this team and represent my country 🇺🇦✊🏼” and vowed to “rise again, stronger than ever 💙💛” With Svitolina bringing her season to an end early, avid fans will hope for her to get well soon mentally and emotionally to step back on the court and dominate with her racket.