Daria Kasatkina Declares Career Break Due to ‘Mental Stress’

Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has decided to take a break for the remainder of the 2025 season, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Causes of the Decision

The tennis professional, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the move for contributing to significant “emotional and mental stress.”

Additional factors involved the continued challenge of being distant from her family and the grueling competition calendar.

“I've been far from fine for a extended duration and, to be frank, my match outcomes and showings show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She continued, “The reality is, I've hit a wall and must stop now. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the constant packing, the results, the expectations, the same faces (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this life.”

Individual Challenges and Return Plans

“Each person has a limit I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. But, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by being away, resting, recalibrating and revitalizing. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my brain, my heart and my physical self.”

She opted to alter nationality after exiting her nation due to apprehensions about her well-being, having previously criticized the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she relocated to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who secured a Olympic silver for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

The tennis star also revealed she has been separated from her father, who still lives in her homeland, for an extended period.

Career Context

A Roland Garros final four competitor in 2022, Kasatkina had concluded the last four calendar years among the world's best but is now ranked 19th after a mixed season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is likely to drop out of the leading positions by the time the home major begins.

The professional athlete stated she plans to come back in the following season, “refreshed and prepared,” with the lead-in to her local Grand Slam likely serving as a key objective.

Industry Impact

Australia's next best competitor is Maya Joint, placed 35th in the world.

She is the third leading female player to cut short their year, following other prominent players, amid a recent trend of athletes withdrawing during competitions.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, featuring the four grand slams, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player Iga Swiatek remarked in the past, “It's not feasible to squeeze it in the schedule. It's possible I will have to pick some events and miss them, although they are required.

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