Daria Kasatkina Reveals Season Hiatus Citing ‘Emotional Strain’
Australia's highest-rated WTA competitor has decided to pause her career for the remainder of the current year, explaining she is at her “mental and emotional limit.”
Reasons Behind the Decision
The tennis professional, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, attributed the transition for contributing to immense “emotional and mental strain.”
Additional factors included the continued challenge of being separated from her relatives and the grueling tour schedule.
“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that,” she shared on her online accounts.
She continued, “Truth is, I've hit a wall and am unable to proceed. 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 familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this career.”
Personal Struggles and Return Plans
“I can only handle I can deal with and handle as a female athlete, all whilst facing off against the leading players in the world.”
“If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am fragile. But, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, reorganizing and revitalizing. The moment has come I paid attention to my instincts for a shift, my brain, my emotions and my physical self.”
She opted to alter citizenship after departing her home country due to fears for her security, having publicly spoken against the government's policies affecting the queer community and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to her new home and became a permanent resident in March.
She then announced her engagement to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who won a silver medal for her birth country at the last Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.
The tennis star additionally shared she has been unable to visit her parent, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.
Professional Background
A French Open semi-finalist in 2022, she had concluded the recent years in the elite group but is now 19th 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 tennis veteran stated she will return in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her home grand slam likely serving as a comeback goal.
Broader Implications
The nation's current No. 2 is Maya Joint, ranked 35th globally.
She is the third leading female player to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of competitors stopping mid-game.
The tour governing body requires top competitors to compete in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, premier tour stops, and lower-tier matches.
But elite competitor the Polish star commented recently, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. Maybe I will have to choose some competitions and skip them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.
“We have to be smart about it - not really unfortunately care about the regulations and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”