🔗 Share this article Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Reveals Season Hiatus Due to ‘Mental Stress’ Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has opted to step away for the remainder of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.” Reasons Behind the Announcement The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to significant “psychological stress.” Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being distant from her loved ones and the relentless circuit routine. “I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that,” she shared on her online accounts. She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the expectations, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this existence.” Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals “I can only handle 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, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by taking time off, resting, regrouping and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my thoughts, my emotions and my physical self.” She opted to alter citizenship after leaving her nation due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the country's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she relocated to Australia and became a permanent resident in early this year. She later got engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia. The tennis star additionally shared she has been separated from her father, who still lives in her homeland, for several years. Career Context A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had finished the recent years among the world's best but is currently 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record. She is projected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam arrives. The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a comeback goal. Broader Implications The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world. The Australian No. 1 is the third elite athlete to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game. The WTA mandates leading players to participate in a required schedule, featuring the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments. But top-ranked player a leading athlete remarked last month, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, although they are obligatory. “We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just consider what's healthy for us.”