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Australia's leading WTA competitor has decided to take a break throughout the rest of the current year, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the change for contributing to significant “psychological pressure.”

Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being separated from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she shared on social media.

She added, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I require time off. A break from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the suitcases, the results, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I listened to myself for a shift, my brain, my heart and my physical self.”

The athlete opted to alter citizenship after exiting Russia due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she settled in Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in recent years, she had ended the recent years among the world's best but is currently 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open begins.

The professional athlete stated she will return in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

She is the third elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body obligates top competitors to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek stated last month, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and miss them, even though they are mandatory.

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