🔗 Share this article

The nation's leading female tennis athlete has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Causes of the Announcement

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

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

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She continued, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A break from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the results, the pressure, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I'm weak. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, refreshing, regrouping and renewing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my thoughts, my feelings and my body.”

She decided to change nationality after exiting her nation due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she relocated to her new home and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

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

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in 2022, the player had finished the recent years in the elite group but is presently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old stated she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam expected to be a key objective.

Broader Implications

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third elite athlete to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association requires top competitors to compete in a required schedule, including the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “There's no way to fit it all in the calendar. It's possible I will have to select some competitions and skip them, although they are mandatory.

“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just think what's healthy for us.”