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Australia's top-ranked WTA competitor has decided to pause her career until the end of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

The tennis professional, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional stress.”

Other reasons consisted of the persistent struggle of being separated from her relatives and the grueling competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She continued, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the results, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), each element involved in this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

“Each person has a limit I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by being away, resting, recalibrating and reenergising. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a shift, my brain, my heart and my body.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to Australia and became a permanent resident in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has been unable to visit her father, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, the player had finished the recent years among the world's best but is currently 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the leading positions by the time the Australian Open begins.

The tennis veteran confirmed she plans to come back in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her home grand slam likely serving as a return target.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

She is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Maybe I will have to select some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”