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Australia's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to pause her career for the remainder of the current year, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to immense “psychological strain.”

Further contributors involved the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A break from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the results, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, it's true. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by taking time off, resting, regrouping and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my feelings and my body.”

The athlete chose to switch citizenship after departing her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has been unable to visit her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had concluded the last four calendar years in the elite group but is presently 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the Australian Open begins.

The 28-year-old stated she will return in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates top competitors to participate in a minimum of 20 events, including the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some events and omit them, even though they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's healthy for us.”