🔗 Share this article

Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has opted to take a break until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Causes of the Announcement

The tennis professional, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the move for contributing to immense “emotional and mental pressure.”

Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the relentless competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my results and performances show it,” she posted on social media.

She stated, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the results, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch citizenship after leaving her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has been unable to visit her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, the player had finished the recent years among the world's best but is now outside the top 15 after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is projected to fall from the top 20 by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the third elite athlete to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA mandates top competitors to compete in a required schedule, including the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented in the past, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the calendar. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, even though they are obligatory.

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