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The nation's top-ranked WTA competitor has opted to take a break for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

The tennis professional, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the change for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Other reasons involved the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the demanding competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She added, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the pressure, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this life.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by stepping back, resting, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my brain, my heart and my physical self.”

She chose to switch citizenship after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who won a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

She also revealed she has been unable to visit her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in 2022, Kasatkina had ended the recent years among the world's best but is presently 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to fall from the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The professional athlete stated she aims to resume in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association requires elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star stated in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, although they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just think what's healthy for us.”