Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Declares Temporary Pause Due to ‘Emotional Strain’
Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break for the remainder of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”
Factors Leading to the Announcement
Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the transition for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”
Other reasons involved the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.
“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, truth be told, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.
She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I require time off. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the suitcases, the outcomes, the pressure, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), each element involved in this life.”
Private Difficulties and Return Plans
“There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by taking time off, recharging, regrouping and revitalizing. It's time I listened to myself for a change, my brain, my feelings and my physical self.”
The athlete decided to change allegiance after departing her home country due to safety concerns, having openly opposed the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she moved to Australia and obtained permanent residency in the spring.
She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a second-place finish for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.
The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her father, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.
Career Context
A major tournament contender in the past, she had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is now outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.
She is projected to fall from the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam begins.
The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.
Industry Impact
Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.
The Australian No. 1 is the latest leading female player to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The WTA mandates top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, encompassing the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.
But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to select some tournaments and omit them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.
“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the guidelines and just focus on what's healthy for us.”
