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The nation's top-ranked women's tennis player has chosen to step away until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to considerable “psychological strain.”

Further contributors involved the persistent struggle of being away from her family and the relentless circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements show it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A break from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the stress, the same faces (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak. That said, I know I am strong and will get stronger by stepping back, resting, reorganizing and revitalizing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”

She chose to switch nationality after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has been unable to visit her father, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in recent years, the player had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is presently 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.

The tennis veteran stated she aims to resume in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her home grand slam likely serving as a key objective.

Wider Context

The nation's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. It's possible I will have to select some tournaments and miss them, although they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”