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Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has decided to pause her career throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the change for contributing to immense “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors consisted of the persistent struggle of being distant from her family and the demanding circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She added, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the constant packing, the results, the stress, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this career.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“Each person has a limit I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by stepping back, refreshing, regrouping and reenergising. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after leaving Russia due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to her new home and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, she had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently ranked 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to exit the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The professional athlete stated she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her domestic major expected to be a key objective.

Industry Impact

The nation's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

She is the most recent top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association requires elite athletes to appear at a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek commented last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, although they are mandatory.

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