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The nation's leading female tennis athlete has chosen to step away for the remainder of the current year, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the change for contributing to immense “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors involved the persistent struggle of being distant from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, to be frank, my results and performances reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I need a break. A break from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the results, the pressure, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this life.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, it's true. That said, I know I am strong and will grow by stepping back, refreshing, recalibrating and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my feelings and my health.”

Kasatkina chose to switch citizenship after departing Russia due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the government's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a second-place finish for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has been separated from her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, the player had finished the recent years in the elite group but is presently outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is expected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Wider Context

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

She is the third elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to participate in a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some events and skip them, although they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just focus on what's good for us.”