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Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has opted to pause her career throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The tennis professional, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to immense “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the grueling competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She added, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the same faces (sorry, girls), all aspects of this career.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I believe in my strength and will grow by stepping back, recharging, recalibrating and reenergising. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

She decided to change citizenship after departing Russia due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to Australia and secured long-term status in March.

She later got engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a silver medal for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in 2022, Kasatkina had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to fall from the top 20 by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The tennis veteran stated she plans to come back in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.

Broader Implications

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

Kasatkina is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA obligates leading players to compete in a required schedule, featuring the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are mandatory.

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