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The nation's leading female tennis athlete has decided to take a break until the end of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Other reasons involved the persistent struggle of being distant from her loved ones and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She stated, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A break from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the results, the expectations, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this life.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the best female athletes 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 get stronger by stepping back, recharging, regrouping and renewing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my feelings and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change nationality after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a Olympic silver for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

She additionally shared she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, the player had concluded the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is now ranked 19th after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

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

The tennis veteran announced she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a return target.

Broader Implications

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the third top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to participate in a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just think what's beneficial for us.”