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The nation's top-ranked female tennis athlete has opted to step away for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The tennis professional, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to immense “emotional and mental stress.”

Additional factors included the persistent struggle of being distant from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She stated, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this life.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

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

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by being away, refreshing, regrouping and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a change, my mind, my feelings and my health.”

Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after exiting Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country'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 March.

She subsequently became engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a silver medal for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had ended the recent years among the world's best but is now ranked 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 next Grand Slam takes place.

The tennis veteran stated she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

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

Kasatkina is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association requires elite athletes to participate in a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star stated last month, “There's no way to fit it all in the calendar. Maybe I will have to select some competitions and omit them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just consider what's healthy for us.”