🔗 Share this article Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Reveals Career Break Due to ‘Psychological Pressure’ Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has opted to pause her career for the remainder of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.” Reasons Behind the Announcement Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the change for contributing to immense “emotional and mental stress.” Further contributors included the persistent struggle of being distant from her relatives and the relentless circuit routine. “My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, to be frank, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she posted on digital platforms. She stated, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A rest from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.” Individual Challenges and Future Hopes “I can only handle I can endure and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.” “Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by stepping back, resting, regrouping and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my heart and my health.” Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after leaving her nation due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in early this year. She subsequently became engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia. Kasatkina also revealed she has been separated from her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years. Tennis Journey A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, the player had ended the last four calendar years among the world's best but is presently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats. She is likely to fall from the leading positions by the time the home major takes place. The professional athlete announced she will return in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her domestic major probably acting as a comeback goal. Industry Impact The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, ranked 35th globally. She is the most recent top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions. The WTA mandates top competitors to compete in a minimum of 20 events, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments. But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “There's no way to fit it all in the schedule. It's possible I will have to choose some events and skip them, although they are required. “It's essential to plan wisely about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just think what's beneficial for us.”