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The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has chosen to pause her career throughout the rest of the 2025 season, admitting she is at her “mental and emotional threshold.”

Factors Leading to the Decision

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her allegiance to compete for Australia, attributed the change for contributing to immense “psychological pressure.”

Further contributors included the continued challenge of being away from her relatives and the grueling tour schedule.

“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that,” she posted on her online accounts.

She added, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and can't continue. I require time off. A pause from the monotonous daily grind of professional tennis, the constant packing, the results, the pressure, the regular competitors (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this life.”

Personal Struggles and Future Hopes

“There's only so much I can manage and handle as a female athlete, all whilst battling the leading players in the world.”

“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I believe in my strength and will grow by taking time off, refreshing, recalibrating and reenergising. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a difference, my thoughts, my emotions and my body.”

Kasatkina opted to alter allegiance after leaving Russia 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 Dubai, she settled in Melbourne and secured long-term status in early this year.

She then announced her engagement to companion an ex-Olympic athlete, who previously earned a second-place finish for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her birth nation Estonia.

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

Tennis Journey

A major tournament contender in recent years, Kasatkina had finished the recent years in the elite group but is presently outside the top 15 after a challenging 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 28-year-old confirmed she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her home grand slam likely serving as a key objective.

Industry Impact

The nation's next best competitor is Maya Joint, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the latest top WTA competitor to withdraw from the tour, following other prominent players, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association obligates top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, including the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player the Polish star remarked in the past, “There's no way to squeeze it in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to pick some tournaments and skip them, even though they are obligatory.

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