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Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has chosen to pause her career until the end of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the change for contributing to significant “psychological stress.”

Further contributors consisted of the ongoing difficulty 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 wrote on digital platforms.

She continued, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I need a break. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the outcomes, the expectations, the same faces (sorry, girls), each element involved in this career.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by stepping back, recharging, reorganizing and revitalizing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my brain, my heart and my health.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and secured long-term status in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a Olympic silver for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in 2022, she had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to fall from the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

She is the latest leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association requires top competitors to participate in a minimum of 20 events, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented last month, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some events and skip them, although they are required.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just think what's beneficial for us.”