🔗 Share this article

Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has chosen to step away throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Causes of the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental strain.”

Further contributors involved the continued challenge of being away from her family and the demanding competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She continued, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I require time off. A pause from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. That said, I know I am strong and will grow by taking time off, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a shift, my brain, my heart and my body.”

The athlete decided to change citizenship after departing Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she relocated to Australia and obtained permanent residency in March.

She then announced her engagement to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

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

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, the player had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the home major begins.

The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam likely serving as a return target.

Industry Impact

The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to participate in a set number of tournaments, featuring the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated recently, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the calendar. Maybe I will have to select some tournaments and skip them, although they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”