The nation's top-ranked female tennis athlete has opted to take a break throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”
Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the change for contributing to considerable “psychological stress.”
Other reasons consisted of the persistent struggle of being distant from her family and the relentless tour schedule.
“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.
She continued, “Honestly, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the expectations, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), all aspects of this existence.”
“There's only so much I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my thoughts, my feelings and my health.”
She opted to alter allegiance after leaving Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in early this year.
She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who won a silver medal for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.
Kasatkina additionally shared she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.
A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, the player had concluded the recent years in the elite group but is now 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.
She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.
The 28-year-old stated she will return in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.
Australia's next best competitor is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.
Kasatkina is the third elite athlete to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.
The Women's Tennis Association requires top competitors to appear at a required schedule, including the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.
But top-ranked player a leading athlete stated last month, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to choose some tournaments and omit them, even though they are mandatory.
“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just think what's beneficial for us.”
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