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The nation's leading female tennis athlete has chosen to pause her career until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the move for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional stress.”

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her relatives and the demanding circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she posted on her online accounts.

She continued, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I require time off. A break from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the travel, the outcomes, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this career.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak. However, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a shift, my thoughts, my heart and my health.”

Kasatkina decided to change citizenship after departing her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has not seen her father, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, Kasatkina had ended the recent years among the world's best but is now 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to fall from the leading positions by the time the home major takes place.

The professional athlete announced she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

She is the latest leading female player to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, despite the fact that they are required.

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