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The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to step away for the remainder of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the change for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental strain.”

Further contributors consisted of the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, truth be told, my on-court achievements show it,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the results, the stress, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

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

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, it's true. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my thoughts, my feelings and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch nationality after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, Kasatkina had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is currently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the home major arrives.

The tennis veteran confirmed she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a key objective.

Wider Context

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

She is the third leading female player to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA mandates elite athletes to participate in a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some events and omit them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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