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The nation's leading women's tennis player has decided to pause her career until the end of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The tennis professional, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental strain.”

Other reasons consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the travel, the outcomes, the expectations, the same faces (sorry, girls), each element involved in this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“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.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I'm weak. However, I know I am strong and will grow by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my heart and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch nationality after departing her nation due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she moved to Australia and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a silver medal for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her father, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

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

The tennis veteran confirmed she aims to resume in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA mandates elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, featuring the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player the Polish star stated in the past, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, despite the fact that they are required.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just consider what's beneficial for us.”