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The nation's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the current year, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional pressure.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being separated from her family and the demanding competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on digital platforms.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the constant packing, the outcomes, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), all aspects of this life.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I am fragile. But, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by taking time off, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a change, my mind, my emotions and my physical self.”

The athlete opted to alter allegiance after leaving Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she moved to Australia and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She then announced her engagement to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had concluded the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is presently 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam probably acting as a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.

She is the third top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA obligates top competitors to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated in the past, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the schedule. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, although they are obligatory.

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