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Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to pause her career throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the change for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional pressure.”

Additional factors consisted of the persistent struggle of being distant from her loved ones and the relentless tour schedule.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she wrote on social media.

She added, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the constant packing, the outcomes, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this career.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak. But, I know I am strong and will grow by taking time off, resting, recalibrating and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my feelings and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after leaving her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to Australia and became a permanent resident in March.

She later got engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a silver medal for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

She additionally shared she has been separated from her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, the player had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is presently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she had a near-even record.

She is projected to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam probably acting as a return target.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

Kasatkina is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA obligates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and miss them, even though they are obligatory.

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