Daria Kasatkina Reveals Temporary Pause Due to ‘Emotional Strain’

Australia's highest-rated female tennis athlete has opted to step away until the end of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Reasons Behind the Announcement

The Australian No. 1, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the move for contributing to considerable “psychological pressure.”

Further contributors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court achievements show it,” she wrote on digital platforms.

She stated, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I must take a hiatus. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. That said, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, refreshing, reorganizing and revitalizing. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”

She decided to change nationality after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she relocated to Australia and became a permanent resident in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her home country of Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had concluded the recent years ranked in the top ten but is presently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to drop out of the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The tennis veteran confirmed she plans to come back in 2026, “refreshed and prepared,” with the preparation for her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.

Wider Context

The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest leading female player to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to appear at a set number of tournaments, featuring the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player a leading athlete remarked recently, “There's no way to squeeze it in the itinerary. Maybe I will have to select some tournaments and omit them, although they are required.

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