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Australia's leading WTA competitor has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The tennis professional, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to immense “mental and emotional stress.”

Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her relatives and the relentless tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show it,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I need a break. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the travel, the scores, the pressure, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. But, I know I am strong and will grow by being away, recharging, regrouping and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

Kasatkina opted to alter allegiance after leaving her home country due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she moved to Australia and secured long-term status in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a silver medal for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, she had finished the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

She is the latest leading female player to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA mandates leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”