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The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has chosen to step away until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Causes of the Decision

The tennis professional, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to significant “emotional and mental stress.”

Other reasons involved the continued challenge of being away from her family and the grueling tour schedule.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, to be frank, my results and performances show it,” she wrote on social media.

She continued, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I require time off. A break from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the outcomes, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), all aspects of this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by being away, resting, regrouping and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”

The athlete chose to switch allegiance after leaving her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she relocated to Australia and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been separated from her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, Kasatkina had ended the last four calendar years among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the Australian Open begins.

The tennis veteran confirmed she aims to resume in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her home grand slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor a leading athlete stated recently, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the calendar. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just think what's good for us.”