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Australia's leading women's tennis player has chosen to pause her career for the remainder of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the transition for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being distant from her relatives and the relentless tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She continued, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I require time off. A pause from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by stepping back, resting, regrouping and reenergising. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in March.

She later got engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had finished the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is presently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her home grand slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the third elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates elite athletes to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete stated last month, “There's no way to squeeze it in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and omit them, despite the fact that they are required.

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