🔗 Share this article Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Declares Career Break Over ‘Psychological Pressure’ Australia's leading WTA competitor has decided to pause her career for the remainder of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.” Reasons Behind the Decision The tennis professional, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.” Other reasons included the continued challenge of being separated from her family and the relentless tour schedule. “My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on social media. She stated, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the scores, the expectations, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.” Private Difficulties and Return Plans “Each person has a limit I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.” “Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by taking time off, recharging, regrouping and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my physical self.” Kasatkina opted to alter allegiance after leaving Russia due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in March. She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia. She also revealed she has been unable to visit her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years. Professional Background A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had ended the recent years among the world's best but is presently 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21. She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam begins. The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a key objective. Wider Context The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally. The Australian No. 1 is the third leading female player to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game. The tour governing body requires top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments. But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, even though they are obligatory. “It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just consider what's good for us.”