🔗 Share this article Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Declares Season Hiatus Over ‘Mental Stress’ The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has decided to step away until the end of the current year, stating she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.” Causes of the Choice The tennis professional, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional stress.” Other reasons involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the relentless competition calendar. “I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms. She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A break from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the suitcases, the outcomes, the pressure, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this existence.” Personal Struggles and Future Hopes “Each person has a limit I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.” “If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by being away, recharging, reorganizing and renewing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a shift, my brain, my heart and my health.” She opted to alter nationality after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and became a permanent resident in March. She subsequently became engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia. She further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who remains in Russia, for several years. Professional Background A major tournament contender in recent years, she had finished the last four calendar years in the elite group but is presently 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21. She is likely to fall from the top 20 by the time the Australian Open begins. The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a comeback goal. Industry Impact The nation's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally. The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match. The Women's Tennis Association requires leading players to participate in a required schedule, encompassing the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches. But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the schedule. Perhaps I will have to select some events and skip them, although they are required. “We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's healthy for us.”