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Australia's leading female tennis athlete has opted to take a break throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the change for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”

Additional factors consisted of the persistent struggle of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.

“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 added, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I require time off. A break from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the expectations, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

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

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. That said, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away, refreshing, recalibrating and revitalizing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”

Kasatkina chose to switch nationality after leaving Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she moved to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, she had concluded the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is now ranked 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the home major begins.

The professional athlete announced she aims to resume in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her domestic major likely serving as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

She is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA mandates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player the Polish star stated in the past, “There's no way to fit it all in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

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