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Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the current year, stating she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

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

Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being away from her relatives and the demanding tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she shared on social media.

She stated, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the suitcases, the results, the expectations, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Future Hopes

“Each person has a limit I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I am fragile. That said, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my brain, my feelings and my body.”

She chose to switch allegiance after leaving Russia due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has been unable to visit her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, she had concluded the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is currently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The professional athlete announced she aims to resume in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates elite athletes to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor a leading athlete stated recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to choose some events and miss them, although they are mandatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”