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The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has opted to take a break for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to immense “psychological strain.”

Further contributors included the persistent struggle of being separated from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She added, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this career.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am fragile. However, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by being away, recharging, recalibrating and revitalizing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a change, my thoughts, my feelings and my physical self.”

She chose to switch nationality after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and secured long-term status in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who won a silver medal for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, Kasatkina had finished the recent years ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is projected to fall from the top 20 by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The tennis veteran announced she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

She is the third top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association requires leading players to appear at a required schedule, including the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and miss them, although they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just consider what's good for us.”