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The nation's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to step away until the end of the current year, stating she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

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

Other reasons involved the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the demanding tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, truth be told, my results and performances show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She stated, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I'm weak. That said, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a shift, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after departing her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she relocated to her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She then announced her engagement to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, the player had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to drop out of the leading positions by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The professional athlete announced she will return in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body requires leading players to appear at a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 a leading athlete remarked recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just focus on what's good for us.”