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The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has decided to step away until the end of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, credited the move for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Additional factors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her family and the relentless circuit routine.

“My well-being has suffered for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on digital platforms.

She stated, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I require time off. A rest from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the results, the stress, the familiar opponents (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. But, I know I am strong and will improve by stepping back, resting, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I listened to myself for a difference, my mind, my heart and my body.”

Kasatkina chose to switch allegiance after departing Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the government's policies affecting the queer community and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in Dubai, she relocated to Australia and secured long-term status in March.

She subsequently became engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a silver medal for her birth country at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

Kasatkina additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who remains in Russia, for several years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player 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 exit the top 20 by the time the next Grand Slam begins.

The tennis veteran announced she aims to resume in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her domestic major expected to be a comeback goal.

Wider Context

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the third elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to compete in a minimum of 20 events, including the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and lower-tier matches.

But elite competitor the Polish star remarked in the past, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and miss them, despite the fact that they are required.

“We have to be smart about it - possibly disregarding about the rules and just focus on what's healthy for us.”