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The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to pause her career for the remainder of the current year, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “psychological pressure.”

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the grueling tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, to be frank, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She stated, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I am fragile. However, I know I am strong and will improve by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my brain, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete opted to alter citizenship after departing her home country due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she moved to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She subsequently became engaged to partner an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a second-place finish for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has not seen her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had ended the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is now 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The tennis veteran stated she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam expected to be a return target.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally.

She is the latest top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to participate in a set number of tournaments, featuring the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the calendar. It's possible I will have to choose some events and miss them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just think what's beneficial for us.”