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The nation's leading women's tennis player has decided to pause her career for the remainder of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Further contributors involved the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her family and the relentless circuit routine.

“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, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A break from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the travel, the results, the pressure, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), all aspects of this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I am fragile. But, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by being away, recharging, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I listened to myself for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my body.”

Kasatkina opted to alter citizenship after exiting her home country due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who won a Olympic silver for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, the player had ended the last four calendar years in the elite group but is presently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The tennis veteran confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented recently, “There's no way to accommodate everything the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some competitions and miss them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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