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Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to step away for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to immense “mental and emotional pressure.”

Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her relatives and the grueling tour schedule.

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

She continued, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the pressure, the same faces (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. But, I know I am strong and will get stronger by stepping back, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a shift, my mind, my feelings and my physical self.”

Kasatkina opted to alter nationality after exiting her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she settled in Australia and obtained permanent residency in March.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, Kasatkina had concluded the recent years ranked in the top ten but is presently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the home major begins.

The tennis veteran stated she plans to come back in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her domestic major likely serving as a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

She is the third top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA requires leading players to participate in a minimum of 20 events, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek commented last month, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the itinerary. It's possible I will have to select some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”