🔗 Share this article

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

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the transition for contributing to immense “mental and emotional strain.”

Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being away from her relatives and the demanding circuit routine.

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

She stated, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the travel, the outcomes, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this life.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, it's true. However, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a shift, my brain, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete decided to change nationality after exiting her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, Kasatkina had ended the previous four seasons in the elite group but is now 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The tennis veteran stated she aims to resume in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her domestic major expected to be a key objective.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA obligates leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player the Polish star commented in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Maybe I will have to select some competitions and skip them, although they are obligatory.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just consider what's good for us.”