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The nation's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break for the remainder of the current year, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Announcement

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Further contributors involved the continued challenge of being away from her loved ones and the grueling competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls), all aspects of this existence.”

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 top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I am fragile. That said, I believe in my strength and will improve by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete decided to change allegiance after departing Russia due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the country's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and became a permanent resident in March.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who won a Olympic silver for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been separated from her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had ended the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the home major takes place.

The tennis veteran stated she aims to resume in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a key objective.

Industry Impact

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

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek commented recently, “There's no way to accommodate everything the calendar. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just consider what's good for us.”