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The nation's leading WTA competitor has opted to take a break until the end of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the transition for contributing to considerable “psychological pressure.”

Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the relentless circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the outcomes, the pressure, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), all aspects of this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my emotions and my body.”

She decided to change nationality after departing her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she settled in Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a Olympic silver for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had concluded the recent years ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the most recent leading female player to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to participate in a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete stated in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some events and miss them, even though they are mandatory.

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