Daria Kasatkina Declares Career Break Over ‘Psychological Pressure’
Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has chosen to take a break until the end of the current year, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”
Factors Leading to the Choice
The tennis professional, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to significant “mental and emotional strain.”
Additional factors included the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the demanding tour schedule.
“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on her online accounts.
She continued, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the scores, the stress, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this life.”
Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals
“Each person has a limit I can manage and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”
“If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am fragile. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, recharging, recalibrating and renewing. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my thoughts, my emotions and my health.”
The athlete opted to alter nationality after leaving her home country due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and became a permanent resident in the spring.
She later got engaged to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.
She also revealed she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.
Tennis Journey
A major tournament contender in the past, the player had finished the last four calendar years in the elite group but is currently ranked 19th after a modest season where she had a near-even record.
She is projected to exit the elite rankings by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.
The tennis veteran confirmed she aims to resume in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major probably acting as a return target.
Industry Impact
The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.
The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.
The tour governing body requires elite athletes to appear at a minimum of 20 events, encompassing the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and additional WTA events.
But top-ranked player the Polish star commented last month, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the schedule. Maybe I will have to select some competitions and miss them, although they are required.
“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just focus on what's healthy for us.”