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The nation's top-ranked WTA competitor has opted to pause her career until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the change for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Other reasons involved the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the demanding competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, to be frank, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the constant packing, the outcomes, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, refreshing, recalibrating and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a shift, my thoughts, my heart and my physical self.”

She decided to change citizenship after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she relocated to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who won a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, Kasatkina had ended the recent years in the elite group but is currently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to exit the top 20 by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old announced she plans to come back in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam expected to be a key objective.

Wider Context

The nation's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

She is the most recent top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA obligates elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to select some tournaments and skip them, even though they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just consider what's good for us.”