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Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to pause her career for the remainder of the current year, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the transition for contributing to considerable “psychological pressure.”

Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her loved ones and the demanding tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she posted on social media.

She stated, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A break from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the travel, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this life.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, it's true. That said, I believe in my strength and will grow by being away, refreshing, recalibrating and revitalizing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my health.”

Kasatkina chose to switch nationality after exiting Russia due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she settled in Australia and obtained permanent residency in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has been unable to visit her parent, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, she had finished the last four calendar years among the world's best but is now outside the top 15 after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the home major takes place.

The professional athlete confirmed she will return in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.

Industry Impact

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

Kasatkina is the latest top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to appear at a minimum of 20 events, including the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated last month, “There's no way to accommodate everything the calendar. Perhaps I will have to select some events and omit them, even though they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just focus on what's healthy for us.”