Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Declares Season Hiatus Citing ‘Psychological Pressure’

The nation's leading WTA competitor has chosen to take a break throughout the rest of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”

Factors Leading to the Choice

Daria Kasatkina, who earlier switched her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the change for contributing to significant “psychological strain.”

Further contributors included the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her relatives and the relentless circuit routine.

“I've been far from fine for a considerable period and, truth be told, my results and performances show it,” she posted on her online accounts.

She stated, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and am unable to proceed. I need a break. A break from the tedious cycle of professional tennis, the constant packing, the outcomes, the pressure, the familiar opponents (apologies, ladies), each element involved in this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals

“I can only handle I can endure and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the top competitors in the world.”

“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, it's true. That said, I know I am strong and will grow by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and reenergising. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my emotions and my physical self.”

Kasatkina opted to alter nationality after exiting Russia due to fears for her security, having previously criticized the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the war on Ukraine. After initially residing in the Middle East, she settled in Melbourne and obtained permanent residency in early this year.

She subsequently became engaged to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who won a second-place finish 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 separated from her dad, who stayed behind in Russia, for four years.

Career Context

A major tournament contender in recent years, she had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is currently outside the top 15 after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is expected to exit the leading positions by the time the Australian Open arrives.

The professional athlete confirmed she aims to resume in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her domestic major likely serving as a return target.

Wider Context

Australia's second-ranked player is another Australian athlete, placed 35th in the world.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest elite athlete to withdraw from the tour, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of competitors stopping mid-game.

The WTA requires top competitors to appear at a required schedule, including the major tournaments, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.

But world No. 2 the Polish star commented last month, “It's not feasible to fit it all in the calendar. Perhaps I will have to choose some events and skip them, even though they are obligatory.

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