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The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the change for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being separated from her relatives and the grueling competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.

She added, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I require time off. A pause from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, I'm weak. However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I listened to myself for a change, my brain, my emotions and my physical self.”

The athlete decided to change nationality after exiting her nation due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a Olympic silver for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

She further mentioned she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in recent years, the player had finished the recent years in the elite group but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to drop out of the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam takes place.

The professional athlete announced she will return in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her domestic major probably acting as a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the third elite athlete to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates elite athletes to compete in a required schedule, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked last month, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to choose some events and omit them, although they are required.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just think what's beneficial for us.”