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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has decided to take a break for the remainder of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

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

Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being away from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.

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

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the suitcases, the results, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“Each person has a limit I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by stepping back, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”

Kasatkina opted to alter citizenship after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she settled in Australia and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a second-place finish for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, Kasatkina had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is now 19th after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to exit the top 20 by the time the home major takes place.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

She is the latest leading female player to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some events and omit them, even though they are required.

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