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The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has opted to take a break for the remainder of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

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

Other reasons consisted of the persistent struggle of being distant from her relatives and the demanding circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements show it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, refreshing, reorganizing and reenergising. The moment has come I listened to myself for a difference, my mind, my feelings and my body.”

The athlete chose to switch citizenship after exiting Russia due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in recent years, she had ended the previous four seasons in the elite group but is now outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

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

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

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

The WTA mandates leading players to participate in a required schedule, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 the Polish star remarked recently, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some competitions and skip them, although they are required.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just focus on what's healthy for us.”