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Australia's leading WTA competitor has opted to step away throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The tennis professional, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional stress.”

Further contributors consisted of the persistent struggle of being distant from her family and the relentless circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my on-court achievements show it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She stated, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the suitcases, the results, the pressure, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by stepping back, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my feelings and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a second-place finish for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been unable to visit her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, Kasatkina had concluded the recent years in the elite group but is currently ranked 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” 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 elite athlete to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 a leading athlete remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some competitions and miss them, although they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”