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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has decided to pause her career until the end of the current year, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Causes of the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional pressure.”

Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being away from her relatives and the relentless circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, truth be told, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She stated, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. However, I know I am strong and will improve by taking time off, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a shift, my brain, my emotions and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after exiting Russia due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she relocated to Australia and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She later got engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in 2022, the player had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to exit the top 20 by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The professional athlete announced she aims to resume in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.

Broader Implications

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

Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented recently, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the regulations and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”