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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has decided to take a break until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the move for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”

Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her loved ones and the relentless circuit routine.

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

She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the pressure, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), each element involved in this career.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, it's true. But, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by stepping back, recharging, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a shift, my brain, my feelings and my body.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after departing Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she moved to Australia and became a permanent resident in March.

She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a second-place finish for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in 2022, Kasatkina had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently ranked 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is projected to fall from the top 20 by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the latest leading female player to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association requires elite athletes to appear at a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some competitions and omit them, despite the fact that they are required.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's good for us.”