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The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has opted to take a break until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional stress.”

Further contributors involved the continued challenge of being away from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on digital platforms.

She stated, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the results, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by being away, recharging, reorganizing and renewing. It's time I listened to myself for a change, my mind, my heart and my health.”

The athlete chose to switch allegiance after departing Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in March.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a Olympic silver for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been separated from her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had concluded the recent years ranked in the top ten but is presently ranked 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in the following season, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a key objective.

Industry Impact

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the third top WTA competitor to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

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

But elite competitor the Polish star commented last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, although they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just think what's beneficial for us.”