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The nation's top-ranked women's tennis player has decided to take a break for the remainder of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the move for contributing to significant “psychological stress.”

Additional factors consisted of the persistent struggle of being away from her loved ones and the demanding tour schedule.

“My well-being has suffered for a considerable period and, to be frank, my results and performances reflect that,” she posted on social media.

She added, “The reality is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A break from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the suitcases, the scores, the stress, the same faces (sorry, girls), each element involved in this life.”

Individual Challenges and Upcoming Goals

“Each person has a limit I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst competing with the top competitors in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then I accept it, it's true. However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, recalibrating and reenergising. Now is the moment I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my thoughts, my heart and my physical self.”

Kasatkina decided to change allegiance after exiting her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she settled in Melbourne and became a permanent resident in the spring.

She then announced her engagement to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who secured a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.

The tennis star additionally shared she has been unable to visit her parent, who remains in Russia, for four years.

Professional Background

A major tournament contender in the past, she had finished the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is currently ranked 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to exit the elite rankings by the time the Australian Open takes place.

The professional athlete confirmed she will return in 2026, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a comeback goal.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates top competitors to participate in a required schedule, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.

But top-ranked player the Polish star commented in the past, “There's no way to fit it all in the itinerary. Perhaps I will have to pick some tournaments and omit them, even though they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”