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The nation's leading female tennis athlete has decided to take a break for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the change for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional strain.”

Other reasons consisted of the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on social media.

She added, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the suitcases, the outcomes, the pressure, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak. That said, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by stepping back, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a difference, my thoughts, my feelings and my physical self.”

The athlete chose to switch allegiance after leaving her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a second-place finish for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

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

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in the past, she had concluded the recent years in the elite group but is now outside the top 15 after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

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

The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.

Broader Implications

The nation's second-ranked player is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

She is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek stated in the past, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, although they are obligatory.

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