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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has decided to step away for the remainder of the current year, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to immense “psychological pressure.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being separated from her relatives and the grueling tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She added, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the suitcases, the results, the expectations, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I believe in my strength and will grow by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”

Kasatkina opted to alter citizenship after departing Russia due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

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

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in recent years, she had concluded the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently ranked 19th after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to fall from the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body obligates top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. It's possible I will have to select some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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