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

Factors Leading to the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the transition for contributing to significant “mental and emotional pressure.”

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being separated from her loved ones and the relentless circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She continued, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the pressure, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, refreshing, regrouping and renewing. It's time I listened to myself for a change, my brain, my feelings and my health.”

Kasatkina opted to alter nationality after exiting her home country due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the government's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

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

Career Context

A major tournament contender in 2022, she had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is presently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to exit the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

She is the latest top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA mandates elite athletes to participate in a minimum of 20 events, including the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and miss them, although they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just think what's healthy for us.”