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Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break for the remainder of the current year, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the change for contributing to significant “psychological pressure.”

Additional factors included the continued challenge of being separated from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements show it,” she shared on social media.

She continued, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I need a break. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), each element involved in this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, it's true. But, I believe in my strength and will improve by stepping back, recharging, regrouping and revitalizing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my feelings and my health.”

She opted to alter nationality after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she relocated to Australia and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

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

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, the player had finished the recent years among the world's best but is now 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The professional athlete confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam likely serving as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the latest leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA obligates top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, although they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just think what's good for us.”