🔗 Share this article

The nation's leading female tennis athlete has decided to pause her career for the remainder of the current year, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the change for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors included the persistent struggle of being away from her family and the relentless circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She continued, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the scores, the stress, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this life.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

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

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, I'm weak. But, I believe in my strength and will grow by stepping back, resting, regrouping and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

Kasatkina opted to alter nationality after exiting Russia due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

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

The tennis star further mentioned she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Tennis Journey

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

She is likely to exit the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the third top WTA competitor to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The tour governing body requires top competitors to compete in a minimum of 20 events, including the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “There's no way to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and omit them, despite the fact that they are mandatory.

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