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Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to step away until the end of the current year, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the change for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental pressure.”

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, to be frank, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She continued, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A break from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I know I am strong and will get stronger by stepping back, refreshing, recalibrating and revitalizing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a difference, my thoughts, my feelings and my body.”

Kasatkina opted to alter citizenship after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and secured long-term status in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

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

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, Kasatkina had concluded the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the home major takes place.

The tennis veteran stated she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Broader Implications

Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body requires leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star commented in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some events and skip them, although they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”