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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Causes of the Choice

The tennis professional, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental strain.”

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her loved ones and the relentless competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She stated, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I require time off. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the results, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this career.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, it's true. But, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by taking time off, recharging, regrouping and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my thoughts, my feelings and my health.”

She decided to change nationality after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she moved to her new home and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She then announced her engagement to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

She also revealed she has not seen her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is now outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The tennis veteran confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.

Broader Implications

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the latest leading female player to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented recently, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the schedule. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and miss them, even though they are obligatory.

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