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Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to pause her career until the end of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”

Causes of the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her allegiance to compete for Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional strain.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being away from her relatives and the relentless circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my match outcomes and showings reflect that,” she shared on social media.

She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the travel, the scores, the stress, the same faces (sorry, girls), all aspects of this career.”

Private Difficulties and Upcoming Goals

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will improve by being away, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

The athlete chose to switch nationality after departing Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she settled in her new home and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who won a second-place finish for Russia at the PyeongChang Games after earlier competing for her native Estonia.

She also revealed she has been unable to visit her father, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Professional Background

A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, she had finished the previous four seasons ranked in the top ten but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.

She is likely to drop out of the leading positions by the time the next Grand Slam arrives.

The professional athlete announced she plans to come back in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Industry Impact

Australia's current No. 2 is another Australian athlete, 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 notable increase of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to appear at a required schedule, including the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek stated last month, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - not really unfortunately care about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”