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The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has chosen to step away for the remainder of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the transition for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Further contributors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her relatives and the demanding competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She continued, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the suitcases, the outcomes, the pressure, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“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.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by taking time off, recharging, recalibrating and revitalizing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my feelings and my health.”

The athlete decided to change nationality after leaving her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she settled in Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is now ranked 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her domestic major expected to be a key objective.

Wider Context

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

The Australian No. 1 is the third leading female player to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to appear at a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star stated last month, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some events and skip 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.”