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Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has opted to pause her career for the remainder of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to immense “mental and emotional pressure.”

Other reasons consisted of the persistent struggle of being away from her relatives and the demanding tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, resting, regrouping and revitalizing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my brain, my emotions and my physical self.”

The athlete opted to alter nationality after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she moved to Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in recent years, the player had ended the last four calendar years in the elite group but is currently 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The tennis veteran announced she plans to come back in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a key objective.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

She is the third leading female player to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The WTA obligates leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 the Polish star stated recently, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, although they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just focus on what's healthy for us.”