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Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to take a break until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Causes of the Announcement

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the transition for contributing to significant “emotional and mental strain.”

Additional factors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her loved ones and the demanding competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I require time off. A pause from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the same faces (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by taking time off, recharging, recalibrating and revitalizing. It's time I listened to myself for a difference, my thoughts, my heart and my health.”

The athlete opted to alter nationality after departing Russia due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in Australia and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged 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.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, Kasatkina had finished the recent years in the elite group but is now ranked 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

She is the most recent elite athlete to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA mandates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor a leading athlete stated in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to select some events and skip them, even though they are mandatory.

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