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Australia's leading female tennis athlete has decided to pause her career until the end of the current year, stating she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “emotional and mental pressure.”

Further contributors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the relentless competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She stated, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the suitcases, the scores, the pressure, the same faces (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this career.”

Private Difficulties and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by being away, recharging, regrouping and revitalizing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my brain, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete decided to change nationality after leaving her home country due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a silver medal for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in 2022, Kasatkina had concluded the last four calendar years in the elite group but is now 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the home major takes place.

The 28-year-old announced she plans to come back in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.

Industry Impact

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The tour governing body obligates leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. It's possible I will have to pick some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are required.

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