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The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has decided to pause her career until the end of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”

Other reasons consisted of the persistent struggle of being distant from her loved ones and the demanding circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A pause from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the outcomes, the expectations, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“Each person has a limit I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by taking time off, refreshing, regrouping and renewing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my feelings and my body.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after leaving her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she settled in her new home and became a permanent resident in March.

She subsequently became engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a silver medal for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

She additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, the player had finished the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the home major takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest elite athlete to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The tour governing body requires elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor the Polish star commented in the past, “There's no way to fit it all in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and omit them, even though they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just think what's beneficial for us.”