The former Top 10 who will not play for the rest of the year: “I can’t continue, I’ve been unwell for a long time”
Daria Kasatkina knew how to be one of the best tennis players in the worldwhen she was ranked number 8 in the world in the WTA world ranking, during 2023. Currently, the Russian nationalized Australian player is hovering around the Top 20. However, far from her highest level, she is unable to make the leap again.
In the last few hours, Kasatkina, 28, gave a statement on her social networks, notifying that she will be absent from professional tournaments until 2026. Below is the text and her reasons.
“‘I’m fine’ are words that we have surely all heard from some women in different walks of life, even knowing that they are not fine, that they are far from being fine, but they continue, they continue to break a little more every day.
This is me, 2025 has been my ‘I’m fine’ year. I have been far from well for a long time and, to tell the truth, my results and performances prove it. The fans aren’t stupid, they can see it too. I’ve kept my feelings a secret because I don’t want to seem like I’m complaining, weak, or, God forbid, ungrateful and unappreciative of this amazing life we live as professional tennis players.
The truth is that I have hit a wall and I can’t continue. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily routine that the circuit entails, with the suitcases, the results, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls) and everything that this industry entails. The schedule is too much, mentally and emotionally I am on the verge of collapse and, unfortunately, I am not alone.
Add to that the emotional and mental stress related to my change of nationality, or not being able to see my parents (I haven’t seen my father in 4 years), plus the constant battles to gain full eligibility to compete for Australia, it means a lot to me. There is a limit to how much I can handle and endure as an individual woman, while still competing with the best female athletes in the world.
If this weakens me, so be it, I am weak. However, I know that I am strong and will get stronger by being away, recharging, regrouping and re-energizing. It’s time to listen to myself to change my mind, my heart and my body.
2025 is over for me and, like me, it has been far from good…
So I’m joining the quitters club in 2025. I’ll be fine, I hope to see you all in 2026, energized and ready to rock!“
Kasatkina, owner of eight singles trophies on the circuit, put an end to a bad season, in which she played 41 matches and had 19 wins and 22 losses.
