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Australia's leading WTA competitor has decided to step away until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

The tennis professional, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the change for contributing to immense “mental and emotional strain.”

Additional factors consisted of the persistent struggle of being away from her family and the demanding tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements show it,” she shared on social media.

She added, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A break from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the results, the stress, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. But, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and reenergising. It's time I listened to myself for a change, my thoughts, my feelings and my body.”

She chose to switch allegiance after departing her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to Australia and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

She also revealed she has been separated from her father, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, she had ended the recent years ranked in the top ten but is now ranked 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

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

The 28-year-old stated she plans to come back in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a key objective.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA requires elite athletes to participate in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star commented recently, “There's no way to fit it all in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some events and miss them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”