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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has opted to pause her career throughout the rest of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the change for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Further contributors consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she posted on digital platforms.

She added, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A break from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by being away, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my brain, my heart and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after departing her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been separated from her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, Kasatkina had ended the recent years among the world's best but is presently ranked 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to fall from the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked in the past, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

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