Daria Kasatkina Reveals Career Break Citing ‘Emotional Strain’

The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has decided to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional breaking point.”

Causes of the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the change for contributing to considerable “psychological pressure.”

Other reasons involved the persistent struggle of being separated from her family and the grueling competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, honestly speaking, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the suitcases, the results, the expectations, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then I accept it, it's true. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will grow by being away, refreshing, recalibrating and reenergising. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my heart and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch citizenship after departing Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and obtained permanent residency in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a silver medal for Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has not seen her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

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

She is likely to fall from the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open begins.

The tennis veteran confirmed she will return in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.

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 cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The WTA mandates elite athletes to compete in a required schedule, featuring the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek stated recently, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some competitions and miss them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just think what's healthy for us.”