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The nation's leading women's tennis player has chosen to step away until the end of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

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

Other reasons consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she shared on social media.

She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the pressure, the same faces (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak. However, I know I am strong and will grow by being away, recharging, regrouping and renewing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a difference, my mind, my heart and my health.”

The athlete decided to change citizenship after exiting her home country due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a Olympic silver for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been separated from her dad, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had finished the last four calendar years among the world's best but is presently ranked 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to fall from the leading positions by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

She is the most recent elite athlete to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA obligates top competitors to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star stated recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to choose some events and omit them, although they are mandatory.

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