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The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has chosen to take a break until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the transition for contributing to immense “mental and emotional stress.”

Other reasons included the persistent struggle of being distant from her family and the grueling competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show it,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She stated, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A break from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the travel, the outcomes, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, it's true. However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away, resting, regrouping and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a difference, my brain, my feelings and my health.”

She opted to alter allegiance after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she relocated to Melbourne and secured long-term status in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been separated from her father, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in 2022, she had ended the recent years in the elite group but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to exit the leading positions by the time the Australian Open begins.

The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major likely serving as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the third leading female player to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA mandates elite athletes to compete in a set number of tournaments, including the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented recently, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just consider what's healthy for us.”