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Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has decided to step away until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The tennis professional, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the move for contributing to immense “emotional and mental pressure.”

Further contributors consisted of the continued challenge of being away from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She continued, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a shift, my mind, my feelings and my physical self.”

Kasatkina opted to alter nationality after leaving her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she moved to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She later got engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a Olympic silver for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

She also revealed she has not seen her parent, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, Kasatkina had ended the recent years ranked in the top ten but is presently ranked 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to exit the leading positions by the time the Australian Open begins.

The tennis veteran announced she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the third top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates leading players to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented recently, “There's no way to fit it all in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, although they are obligatory.

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