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Australia's leading women's tennis player has opted to pause her career throughout the rest of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The tennis professional, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the move for contributing to considerable “psychological stress.”

Further contributors consisted of the persistent struggle of being away from her relatives and the demanding tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She added, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the stress, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

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

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, it's true. However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, recalibrating and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my heart and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after departing her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and secured long-term status in March.

She then announced her engagement to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

She additionally shared she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, Kasatkina had finished the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently ranked 19th after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to exit the elite rankings by the time the home major takes place.

The professional athlete stated she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam likely serving as a key objective.

Industry Impact

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent leading female player to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association requires leading players to participate in a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented last month, “There's no way to fit it all in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some events and skip them, even though they are obligatory.

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