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Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has opted to take a break throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors consisted of the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the demanding tour schedule.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she wrote on social media.

She added, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I need a break. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the outcomes, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I'm weak. But, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by taking time off, refreshing, regrouping and renewing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my heart and my physical self.”

The athlete opted to alter citizenship after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who won a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has been unable to visit her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, she had finished the recent years in the elite group but is now 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to exit the elite rankings by the time the home major arrives.

The professional athlete announced she aims to resume in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the most recent leading female player to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA requires leading players to participate in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete commented last month, “There's no way to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, even though they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just consider what's healthy for us.”