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Australia's highest-rated women's tennis player has decided to step away until the end of the tennis calendar, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Decision

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

Other reasons consisted of the continued challenge of being separated from her loved ones and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she wrote on social media.

She stated, “Honestly, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the best female athletes in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, recharging, reorganizing and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change allegiance after exiting Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she relocated to Australia and obtained permanent residency in March.

She then announced her engagement to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a second-place finish for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.

Career Context

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, Kasatkina had finished the recent years ranked in the top ten but is now outside the top 15 after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

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

The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the third leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to compete in a required schedule, encompassing the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek commented in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and miss them, even though they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just think what's good for us.”