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The nation's leading female tennis athlete has opted to take a break throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the change for contributing to significant “psychological pressure.”

Additional factors consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the relentless circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She stated, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I require time off. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, it's true. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my feelings and my body.”

The athlete opted to alter allegiance after departing Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, she had ended the recent years among the world's best but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to exit the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The tennis veteran announced she plans to come back in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

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

The Australian No. 1 is the third top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA obligates leading players to compete in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek stated last month, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are required.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's healthy for us.”