🔗 Share this article

Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the transition for contributing to significant “emotional and mental stress.”

Additional factors included the persistent struggle of being away from her family and the grueling competition calendar.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, to be frank, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I need a break. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.”

Private Difficulties and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I believe in my strength and will grow by stepping back, resting, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my thoughts, my heart and my physical self.”

The athlete decided to change citizenship after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she moved to Australia and obtained permanent residency in March.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who won a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her native Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been separated from her father, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Professional Background

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is currently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is expected to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

The nation's second-ranked player is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA obligates elite athletes to appear at a minimum of 20 events, featuring the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But elite competitor a leading athlete remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the calendar. Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and miss them, although they are mandatory.

“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just consider what's healthy for us.”