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The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has decided to take a break throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to immense “emotional and mental stress.”

Additional factors included the persistent struggle of being separated from her relatives and the relentless circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that,” she wrote on social media.

She added, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the constant packing, the outcomes, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

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

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak. But, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by being away, refreshing, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my body.”

Kasatkina opted to alter nationality after departing her home country due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she moved to her new home and secured long-term status in March.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who won a Olympic silver for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has been separated from her father, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, the player had finished the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is presently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the third top WTA competitor to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to appear at a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek stated recently, “There's no way to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and miss them, even though they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just focus on what's healthy for us.”