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Australia's leading WTA competitor has opted to pause her career until the end of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to significant “psychological stress.”

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the relentless competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she wrote on her online accounts.

She continued, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A pause from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the outcomes, the pressure, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this existence.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

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

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by being away, resting, reorganizing and revitalizing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my heart and my health.”

She opted to alter citizenship after departing her home country due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she moved to Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

She also revealed she has been separated from her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in the past, Kasatkina had ended the recent years in the elite group but is now 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam probably acting as a key objective.

Broader Implications

The nation's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

She is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA mandates top competitors to appear at a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player the Polish star commented last month, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just focus on what's healthy for us.”