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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has chosen to step away for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional pressure.”

Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her family and the grueling circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on social media.

She continued, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am fragile. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my health.”

Kasatkina decided to change nationality after exiting Russia due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in recent years, she had finished the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is presently 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to exit the top 20 by the time the home major takes place.

The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam likely serving as a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

She is the third top WTA competitor to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA obligates top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented last month, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the calendar. Maybe I will have to select some tournaments and skip them, even though they are mandatory.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just think what's beneficial for us.”