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Australia's leading WTA competitor has decided to take a break for the remainder of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The tennis professional, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the transition for contributing to significant “mental and emotional pressure.”

Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, to be frank, my results and performances show it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She added, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I am fragile. That said, I know I am strong and will grow by taking time off, resting, recalibrating and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a difference, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”

She opted to alter nationality after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she settled in Australia and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in the past, she had concluded the recent years ranked in the top ten but is now 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The tennis veteran announced she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam expected to be a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 the Polish star remarked recently, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and skip them, although they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just focus on what's healthy for us.”