🔗 Share this article Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Declares Season Hiatus Over ‘Mental Stress’ Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen to pause her career for the remainder of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.” Factors Leading to the Choice The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental stress.” Additional factors included the continued challenge of being away from her family and the relentless tour schedule. “My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she posted on social media. She added, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the results, the expectations, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.” Individual Challenges and Return Plans “There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.” “If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a change, my brain, my heart and my body.” The athlete decided to change citizenship after leaving her home country due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in March. She subsequently became engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia. Kasatkina additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period. Career Context A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is currently 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record. She is likely to fall from the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam begins. The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a return target. Wider Context Australia's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position. The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game. The tour governing body mandates leading players to participate in a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches. But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are required. “We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just think what's beneficial for us.”