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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has opted to pause her career until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Causes of the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the transition for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Additional factors consisted of the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the grueling competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my results and performances show it,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A pause from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the travel, the outcomes, the pressure, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, it's true. That said, I know I am strong and will grow by stepping back, recharging, recalibrating and reenergising. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a change, my thoughts, my heart and my health.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has been unable to visit her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Career Context

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, the player had finished the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently ranked 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Industry Impact

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

She is the most recent leading female player to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete stated last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some events and omit them, although they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just think what's beneficial for us.”