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Australia's leading women's tennis player has chosen to step away for the remainder of the current year, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the move for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Other reasons involved the continued challenge of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this life.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. But, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and revitalizing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”

She opted to alter allegiance after leaving her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and secured long-term status in March.

She subsequently became engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who won a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been separated from her dad, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, she had ended the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is presently 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to fall from the leading positions by the time the home major begins.

The professional athlete confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek stated last month, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. It's possible I will have to choose some events and omit them, even though they are mandatory.

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