🔗 Share this article

Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has opted to step away throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the move for contributing to significant “emotional and mental pressure.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being away from her relatives and the demanding tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she shared on social media.

She stated, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A break from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

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

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, it's true. That said, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away, refreshing, regrouping and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my brain, my feelings and my body.”

She decided to change nationality after exiting Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has been unable to visit her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had finished the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to fall from the leading positions by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old stated she plans to come back in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to compete in a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 a leading athlete stated in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, even though they are mandatory.

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