Daria Kasatkina Reveals Temporary Pause Over ‘Mental Stress’

The nation's leading WTA competitor has decided to pause her career until the end of the tennis calendar, stating she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the move for contributing to considerable “psychological strain.”

Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances demonstrate it,” she shared on digital platforms.

She added, “The reality is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the results, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“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. But, I know I am strong and will grow by stepping back, resting, regrouping and reenergising. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my feelings and my body.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after departing her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She later got engaged to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a silver medal for her former team at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her dad, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, Kasatkina had finished the recent years among the world's best but is now ranked 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to fall from the leading positions by the time the home major takes place.

The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam likely serving as a key objective.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the third leading female player to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek stated in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and miss them, although they are required.

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