Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Announces Temporary Pause Due to ‘Emotional Strain’
The nation's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to step away for the remainder of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”
Reasons Behind the Choice
Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the move for contributing to considerable “psychological stress.”
Further contributors involved the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her relatives and the demanding tour schedule.
“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that,” she posted on digital platforms.
She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily grind of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the scores, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), each element involved in this existence.”
Personal Struggles and Future Hopes
“Each person has a limit I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I know I am strong and will grow by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a difference, my mind, my feelings and my body.”
The athlete decided to change nationality after leaving her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she settled in her new home and obtained permanent residency in the spring.
She then announced her engagement to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the last Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.
The tennis star further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.
Career Context
A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, Kasatkina had ended the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.
She is projected to drop out of the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.
The 28-year-old announced she aims to resume in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a return target.
Broader Implications
Australia's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.
She is the latest leading female player to withdraw from the tour, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.
The tour governing body mandates top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the Grand Slam events, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.
But top-ranked player the Polish star stated last month, “There's no way to accommodate everything the itinerary. Maybe I will have to pick some events and omit them, despite the fact that they are required.
“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just think what's healthy for us.”