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Australia's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to step away for the remainder of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional stress.”

Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, truth be told, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She continued, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the outcomes, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this career.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a shift, my brain, my heart and my health.”

Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after leaving Russia due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in recent years, she had concluded the recent years in the elite group 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 elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The 28-year-old announced she will return in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

Australia's second-ranked player is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 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 leading players to participate in a required schedule, featuring the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

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