Australian Tennis Star Kasatkina Announces Temporary Pause Due to ‘Mental Stress’
Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has decided to step away throughout the rest of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”
Factors Leading to the Announcement
Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to immense “emotional and mental strain.”
Further contributors included the persistent struggle of being distant from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.
“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings demonstrate it,” she wrote on social media.
She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the constant packing, the outcomes, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”
Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals
“Each person has a limit I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. However, I know I am strong and will improve by taking time off, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my mind, my emotions and my body.”
The athlete opted to alter citizenship after leaving her home country due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the country's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.
She then announced her engagement to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a Olympic silver for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.
Kasatkina also revealed she has been separated from her parent, who remains in Russia, for an extended period.
Career Context
A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had ended the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is currently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.
She is expected to exit the leading positions by the time the home major begins.
The 28-year-old confirmed she will return in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.
Broader Implications
The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.
The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.
The WTA requires top competitors to participate in a required schedule, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.
But world No. 2 a leading athlete remarked in the past, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the itinerary. It's possible I will have to select some competitions and miss them, although they are mandatory.
“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just consider what's healthy for us.”