Daria Kasatkina Declares Career Break Citing ‘Psychological Pressure’
Australia's top-ranked female tennis athlete has chosen to step away until the end of the current year, explaining she is at her “emotional and mental threshold.”
Factors Leading to the Choice
The Australian No. 1, who earlier switched her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to significant “emotional and mental stress.”
Additional factors included the ongoing difficulty of being separated from her loved ones and the grueling tour schedule.
“My well-being has suffered for a long time and, to be frank, my on-court achievements reflect that,” she shared on her online accounts.
She added, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and am unable to proceed. I require time off. A break from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the constant packing, the outcomes, the stress, the same faces (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this life.”
Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals
“Each person has a limit I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then that's acceptable, I am fragile. However, I know I am strong and will grow by stepping back, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. It's time I paid attention to my instincts for a change, my mind, my emotions and my body.”
The athlete decided to change citizenship after departing Russia due to safety concerns, having publicly spoken against the country's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in Dubai, she relocated to Australia and became a permanent resident in early this year.
She later got engaged to companion a former Olympic figure skater, who secured a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after initially participating for her home country of Estonia.
The tennis star additionally shared she has not seen her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for several years.
Tennis Journey
A major tournament contender in 2022, the player had finished the last four calendar years ranked in the top ten but is presently ranked 19th after a challenging season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is expected to exit the top 20 by the time the home major arrives.
The 28-year-old confirmed she plans to come back in next year, “recharged and motivated,” with the build-up to her local Grand Slam probably acting as a key objective.
Broader Implications
Australia's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position.
The Australian No. 1 is the most recent elite athlete to end their season early, following other prominent players, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The Women's Tennis Association requires leading players to compete in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the four grand slams, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and lower-tier matches.
But world No. 2 a leading athlete remarked last month, “There's no way to squeeze it in the calendar. Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and omit them, although they are required.
“We must think carefully about it - possibly disregarding about the regulations and just consider what's good for us.”
