Daria Kasatkina Reveals Temporary Pause Due to ‘Mental Stress’
Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to take a break for the remainder of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “psychological and emotional limit.”
Reasons Behind the Choice
Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the transition for contributing to considerable “mental and emotional stress.”
Additional factors involved the persistent struggle of being away from her relatives and the relentless competition calendar.
“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she shared on digital platforms.
She stated, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I need a break. A pause from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the travel, the outcomes, the expectations, the regular competitors (apologies, ladies), everything that comes with this life.”
Individual Challenges and Return Plans
“Each person has a limit I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst facing off against the best female athletes in the world.”
“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. But, I know I am strong and will grow by taking time off, resting, recalibrating and renewing. It's time I listened to myself for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my health.”
The athlete decided to change nationality after leaving her nation due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the conflict in Ukraine. Originally based in Dubai, she relocated to her new home and secured long-term status in the spring.
She then announced her engagement to partner a former Olympic figure skater, who won a second-place finish for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after earlier competing for her birth nation Estonia.
She additionally shared she has not seen her parent, who stayed behind in Russia, for several years.
Career Context
A major tournament contender in 2022, Kasatkina had ended the last four calendar years among the world's best but is currently outside the top 15 after a challenging season where she had a near-even record.
She is likely to fall from the elite rankings by the time the home major begins.
The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the build-up to her home grand slam probably acting as a return target.
Broader Implications
The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.
She is the latest elite athlete to end their season early, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a recent trend of competitors stopping mid-game.
The WTA mandates top competitors to participate in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the Grand Slam events, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.
But elite competitor Iga Swiatek stated last month, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to select some competitions and miss them, even though they are mandatory.
“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just think what's healthy for us.”