Daria Kasatkina Reveals Career Break Citing ‘Psychological Pressure’
Australia's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to step away throughout the rest of the current year, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”
Causes of the Announcement
Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, blamed the transition for contributing to significant “mental and emotional pressure.”
Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her family and the demanding tour schedule.
“I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she shared on digital platforms.
She continued, “Honestly, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the repetitive routine of professional tennis, the suitcases, the scores, the expectations, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this life.”
Individual Challenges and Return Plans
“I can only handle I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”
“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. That said, I am confident in my resilience and will improve by being away, refreshing, regrouping and renewing. The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my heart and my physical self.”
She chose to switch citizenship after exiting Russia due to safety concerns, having previously criticized the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the invasion of Ukraine. After initially residing in the UAE, she settled in Australia and secured long-term status in early this year.
She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a Olympic silver for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after first representing for her native Estonia.
Kasatkina additionally shared she has been separated from her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.
Tennis Journey
A Roland Garros final four competitor in the past, the player had concluded the recent years among the world's best but is currently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is likely to exit the top 20 by the time the Australian Open begins.
The 28-year-old stated she aims to resume in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.
Broader Implications
The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.
The Australian No. 1 is the most recent leading female player to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.
The WTA obligates elite athletes to appear at a set number of tournaments, featuring the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.
But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some events and miss them, even though they are obligatory.
“It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just consider what's beneficial for us.”
