🔗 Share this article Daria Kasatkina Declares Career Break Citing ‘Mental Stress’ Australia's leading women's tennis player has decided to step away throughout the rest of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.” Reasons Behind the Choice The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to significant “psychological strain.” 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 long time and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she shared on her online accounts. She stated, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the same faces (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this existence.” Personal Struggles and Return Plans “I can only handle I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.” “Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by stepping back, recharging, recalibrating and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a difference, my brain, my emotions and my physical self.” Kasatkina opted to alter citizenship after exiting her home country due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she relocated to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in the spring. She subsequently became engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her native Estonia. She additionally shared she has been separated from her father, who still lives in her homeland, for four years. Career Context A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is now 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record. She is expected to fall from the top 20 by the time the home major takes place. The tennis veteran announced she plans to come back in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam expected to be a return target. Wider Context Australia's second-ranked player is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world. She is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game. The Women's Tennis Association obligates elite athletes to compete in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events. But world No. 2 a leading athlete commented in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and omit them, even though they are obligatory. “We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's good for us.”