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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has chosen to take a break for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional stress.”

Additional factors included the continued challenge of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, truth be told, my on-court achievements show it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the pressure, the same faces (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, I'm weak. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, resting, regrouping and reenergising. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my brain, my heart and my body.”

She opted to alter nationality after leaving Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had concluded the previous four seasons in the elite group but is currently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

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

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam likely serving as a return target.

Industry Impact

The nation's second-ranked player is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association requires elite athletes to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked recently, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to choose some tournaments and miss them, even though they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just consider what's good for us.”