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The nation's highest-rated female tennis athlete has decided to pause her career until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Causes of the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the move for contributing to considerable “psychological strain.”

Further contributors consisted of the continued challenge of being away from her family and the grueling tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. But, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, resting, regrouping and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my thoughts, my feelings and my body.”

She chose to switch citizenship after leaving her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to Melbourne and secured long-term status in the spring.

She then announced her engagement to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

She additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, she had ended the recent years in the elite group but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The professional athlete announced she will return in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA obligates top competitors to compete in a minimum of 20 events, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player the Polish star remarked in the past, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the calendar. Perhaps I will have to select some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

“We have to be smart about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just consider what's healthy for us.”