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The nation's top-ranked female tennis athlete has opted to take a break until the end of the current year, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Causes of the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the move for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her loved ones and the grueling competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on social media.

She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), each element involved in this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I know I am strong and will improve by being away, refreshing, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my feelings and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after leaving her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she moved to Australia and obtained permanent residency in March.

She subsequently became engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

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

Professional Background

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

She is expected to exit the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete announced she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her domestic major expected to be a return target.

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body obligates elite athletes to appear at a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek commented recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and omit them, although they are required.

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