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The nation's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to step away until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional pressure.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being away from her loved ones and the relentless tour schedule.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She added, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this career.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, it's true. But, I believe in my strength and will grow by stepping back, recharging, regrouping and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my thoughts, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after exiting Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in the spring.

She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had finished the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is now ranked 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the Australian Open arrives.

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.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the latest leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to participate in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, even though they are obligatory.

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