🔗 Share this article Daria Kasatkina Reveals Career Break Due to ‘Emotional Strain’ Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break for the remainder of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.” Reasons Behind the Announcement The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the move for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental stress.” Additional factors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her relatives and the demanding tour schedule. “I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that,” she shared on her online accounts. She added, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the scores, the stress, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.” Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals “There's only so much I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.” “If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by being away, resting, recalibrating and reenergising. It's time I listened to myself for a difference, my thoughts, my feelings and my physical self.” She decided to change nationality after exiting her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring. She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia. She further mentioned she has been separated from her father, who remains in Russia, for several years. Professional Background A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, Kasatkina had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is now outside the top 15 after a modest season where she had a near-even record. She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the home major arrives. The professional athlete stated she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her domestic major probably acting as a return target. Broader Implications Australia's second-ranked player is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally. Kasatkina is the most recent elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions. The tour governing body obligates top competitors to participate in a set number of tournaments, including the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events. But top-ranked player the Polish star stated last month, “It's not feasible to accommodate everything the calendar. It's possible I will have to select some events and miss them, despite the fact that they are mandatory. “We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just think what's good for us.”