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The nation's top-ranked women's tennis player has chosen to step away until the end of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the change for contributing to immense “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors involved the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the travel, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

“There's only so much 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. But, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, recharging, recalibrating and reenergising. It's time I listened to myself for a difference, my mind, my heart and my physical self.”

The athlete opted to alter nationality after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is now 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

She is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, including the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star remarked last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to select some events and miss them, even though they are obligatory.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just think what's healthy for us.”