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Australia's top-ranked WTA competitor has opted to take a break until the end of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

The tennis professional, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the change for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”

Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being separated from her family and the demanding tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She added, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I require time off. A break from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the travel, the results, the expectations, the same faces (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this life.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I'm weak. That said, I know I am strong and will grow by being away, recharging, reorganizing and reenergising. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my heart and my body.”

The athlete opted to alter allegiance after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she moved to her new home and secured long-term status in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She also revealed she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in 2022, she had finished the recent years ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The tennis veteran announced she plans to come back in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest leading female player to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA requires elite athletes to compete in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented in the past, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and miss them, even though they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just think what's good for us.”