🔗 Share this article

The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has opted to step away for the remainder of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional pressure.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being away from her family and the relentless tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A break from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the pressure, the same faces (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, I am fragile. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my mind, my heart and my health.”

The athlete opted to alter nationality after leaving Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she relocated to Australia and secured long-term status in March.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

She also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, Kasatkina had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to fall from the leading positions by the time the Australian Open begins.

The tennis veteran announced she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her domestic major probably acting as a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

She is the most recent elite athlete to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 the Polish star remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just think what's good for us.”