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The nation's leading women's tennis player has decided to step away for the remainder of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Causes of the Choice

The tennis professional, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the move for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Additional factors included the persistent struggle of being distant from her family and the demanding tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I need a break. A rest from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the results, the expectations, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. That said, I believe in my strength and will grow by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and reenergising. The moment has come I listened to myself for a difference, my brain, my emotions and my body.”

The athlete decided to change nationality after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the government's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who won a silver medal for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, Kasatkina had finished the recent years among the world's best but is presently 19th after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

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

The professional athlete confirmed she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body mandates elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor a leading athlete remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. It's possible I will have to choose some tournaments and miss them, although they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just consider what's beneficial for us.”