Heather Watson has announced that she will be taking a break from tennis in a heartbreaking statement on social media.
The tennis star, who is a former British No.1, has ruled herself out of action for over four months due to injury troubles.
It comes during a tough year for Watson on the WTA Tour as she has lost 18 of her 32 matches throughout 2025 so far.
Her most recent win came on June 21 when she beat Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the Eastbourne Open qualifiers.
Since then, the 33-year-old lost in the first round at Wimbledon and then failed to progress out of the qualifiers for the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open in August.
Watson has not played a tournament match since August 19 and now she has announced that she will be taking an extended break, whilst revealing why she has been struggling for form.
The Brit wrote on Instagram: "Hi everyone, I have been suffering in silence with injury this year - playing in pain every day since March.
"I have a tendon issue in my left glute, which has caused me pain every day since.
"And therefore had a domino effect resulting in more injuries than I’ve ever experienced.
"After 17 years of playing professional tennis year in year out, without any serious injury, I count my blessings that this is the first time I have to take a (forced) break.
"I will be away from competing until the end of February 2026 (hopefully) to heal and play pain-free again.
"I will use this time to spend with the people who matter most, develop in other areas of my life, and get into the best shape possible for my return. See you soon."
Watson's injury issues
As Watson mentioned, she picked up her glute injury in March and ever since, she's been playing through the pain.
On top of that, her most recent lay-off appears to have been from suffering further injuries due to a 'tendon issue' in her glute.
She has dropped down to World No.203 due to her recent struggles, with No.38 the highest rank throughout her career.
And now, with a four-month-long break beginning, she will likely drop further down the women's rankings.
Watson addressed her dropping rank at Wimbledon this summer, amid doubts over whether she could play at SW19 again.
She said: "That's not my plan. I want to play as long as I'm still playing tournaments like this.
"I was so grateful for the opportunity when the tournament gave me the wild card, because this for me is the pinnacle.
“Like when I walked out onto court today, I got a little bit emotional, because it's so special. I just appreciate it so much any time I get to be a part of this tournament.
"So hopefully I've still got a few left in me and I can get there on my own next year.”
When will Watson return?
Watson's hopeful return date of late February means her first tournament back could be the ATX Open in Austin, Texas.
That event will take place from February 21 to March 1, 2026.
If all goes to plan, she will be fit and ready to play at Wimbledon again in the summer of next year.
And Watson will hope to qualify for her home event or be invited with a wildcard, depending on her ranking.