🔗 Share this article

Australia's top-ranked WTA competitor has chosen to take a break for the remainder of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional threshold.”

Causes of the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to immense “psychological stress.”

Further contributors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A break from the repetitive routine of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the results, the pressure, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), all aspects of this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“I can only handle I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I am fragile. But, I believe in my strength and will get stronger by stepping back, refreshing, reorganizing and renewing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my mind, my emotions and my health.”

Kasatkina opted to alter allegiance after leaving her nation due to fears for her security, having openly opposed the nation's policies affecting the queer community and the invasion of Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.

She subsequently became engaged to longtime girlfriend a former Olympic figure skater, who previously earned a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star further mentioned she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.

Tennis Journey

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, Kasatkina had finished the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is currently ranked 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.

She is projected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The tennis veteran announced she aims to resume in next year, “refreshed and prepared,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.

Wider Context

Australia's current No. 2 is a rising star, ranked 35th globally.

Kasatkina is the latest elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.

The tour governing body mandates leading players to appear at a set number of tournaments, including the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But elite competitor Iga Swiatek commented recently, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some competitions and omit them, even though they are required.

“It's essential to plan wisely about it - not really unfortunately care about the rules and just think what's beneficial for us.”