🔗 Share this article

The nation's top-ranked women's tennis player has opted to step away throughout the rest of the current year, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the move for contributing to significant “emotional and mental stress.”

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

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A break from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the pressure, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after exiting her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who won a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, the player had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is now 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the home major arrives.

The 28-year-old announced she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA mandates top competitors to appear at a required schedule, encompassing the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star commented last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. Maybe I will have to select some events and miss them, although they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”