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The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has decided to step away throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the move for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Further contributors consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her loved ones and the grueling competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She stated, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the outcomes, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am fragile. But, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by being away, resting, reorganizing and renewing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my thoughts, my heart and my physical self.”

Kasatkina opted to alter citizenship after leaving her home country due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she settled in Melbourne and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in the past, Kasatkina had ended the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is projected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The professional athlete stated she plans to come back in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the most recent elite athlete to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA requires top competitors to appear at a minimum of 20 events, including the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the itinerary. It's possible I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's good for us.”