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Australia's top-ranked WTA competitor has decided to pause her career until the end of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

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

Other reasons involved the continued challenge of being separated from her relatives and the grueling competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, to be frank, my results and performances reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. But, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by taking time off, refreshing, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a shift, my brain, my emotions and my body.”

She opted to alter allegiance after leaving her home country due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in Australia and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, she had ended the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is presently 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

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

The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her home grand slam likely serving as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the latest leading female player to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to compete in a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star commented last month, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, although they are obligatory.

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