🔗 Share this article

The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Choice

The tennis professional, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental pressure.”

Other reasons involved the ongoing difficulty of being away from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, truth be told, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she posted on social media.

She stated, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the results, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this career.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the leading players 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 get stronger by being away, resting, regrouping and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a change, my mind, my heart and my body.”

She opted to alter nationality after departing her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a Olympic silver for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

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

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, the player had finished the recent years among the world's best but is presently 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to fall from the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The 28-year-old announced she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

Australia's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body requires elite athletes to participate in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are required.

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