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Australia's leading female tennis athlete has chosen to step away until the end of the current year, stating she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the grueling circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She continued, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. That said, I am confident in my resilience 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 emotions and my physical self.”

She chose to switch nationality after exiting her nation due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she settled in Melbourne and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, the player had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam expected to be a key objective.

Broader Implications

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The tour governing body mandates leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek commented in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just think what's beneficial for us.”