Daria Kasatkina Declares Temporary Pause Over ‘Mental Stress’
Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has opted to step away until the end of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”
Factors Leading to the Choice
The tennis professional, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental stress.”
Further contributors involved the persistent struggle of being distant from her loved ones and the demanding tour schedule.
“I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court achievements show it,” she shared on digital platforms.
She stated, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (sorry, girls), all aspects of this career.”
Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals
“Each person has a limit I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. However, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by being away, refreshing, reorganizing and renewing. Now is the moment I heeded my own needs for a difference, my brain, my emotions and my body.”
The athlete decided to change allegiance after departing her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the UAE, she settled in her new home and secured long-term status in March.
She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who won a silver medal for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her native Estonia.
The tennis star also revealed she has not seen her father, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.
Professional Background
A Roland Garros final four competitor in recent years, Kasatkina had concluded the previous four seasons in the elite group but is now 19th after a mixed season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is likely to exit the leading positions by the time the home major begins.
The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a comeback goal.
Wider Context
The nation's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, holding the 35th position.
The Australian No. 1 is the third elite athlete to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The tour governing body obligates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, encompassing the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.
But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek stated recently, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some events and skip them, although they are mandatory.
“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just consider what's good for us.”