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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to take a break for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “emotional and mental pressure.”

Additional factors included the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her loved ones and the relentless tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements show it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this life.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my heart and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in recent years, the player had finished the recent years among the world's best but is currently 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The tennis veteran announced she will return in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a return target.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body requires elite athletes to appear at a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor the Polish star commented in the past, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and miss them, even though they are required.

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