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Australia's leading women's tennis player has opted to step away for the remainder of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the move for contributing to considerable “psychological pressure.”

Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being distant from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she wrote on social media.

She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A break from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), each element involved in this career.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. That said, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a change, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after departing Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she moved to Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a silver medal for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in the past, the player had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she will return in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, 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 athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek commented in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to select some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just think what's good for us.”