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The nation's top-ranked women's tennis player has opted to take a break until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

The tennis professional, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental strain.”

Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, to be frank, my results and performances show it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She stated, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the suitcases, the results, the stress, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, it's true. But, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, resting, recalibrating and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a difference, my brain, my emotions and my health.”

Kasatkina chose to switch citizenship after departing her nation due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

She additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, she had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is presently 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to fall from the elite rankings by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

She is the third leading female player to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to participate in a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”