Top-Ranked Player Kasatkina Declares Temporary Pause Due to ‘Psychological Pressure’
The nation's highest-rated women's tennis player has decided to take a break throughout the rest of the current year, stating she is at her “emotional and mental limit.”
Reasons Behind the Decision
Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her citizenship to represent Australia, credited the change for contributing to immense “mental and emotional pressure.”
Additional factors involved the ongoing difficulty of being away from her loved ones and the grueling circuit routine.
“I haven't been okay for a considerable period and, truth be told, my on-court achievements demonstrate it,” she shared on her online accounts.
She continued, “Honestly, 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 scores, the expectations, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), all aspects of this life.”
Personal Struggles and Return Plans
“There's only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world.”
“If people consider this a flaw, then so be it, I'm weak. But, I know I am strong and will grow by being away, resting, reorganizing and reenergising. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my brain, my heart and my health.”
The athlete decided to change citizenship after leaving her home country due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the nation's legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and the conflict in Ukraine. First living in the UAE, she relocated to her new home and became a permanent resident in the spring.
She then announced her engagement to companion Natalia Zabiiako, who won a silver medal for her birth country at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her home country of Estonia.
She further mentioned she has been separated from her father, who remains in Russia, for several years.
Tennis Journey
A French Open semi-finalist in recent years, she had ended the previous four seasons among the world's best but is now ranked 19th after a modest season where she won 19 and lost 21.
She is projected to drop out of the leading positions by the time the home major arrives.
The professional athlete stated she will return in the following season, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her domestic major likely serving as a key objective.
Industry Impact
Australia's second-ranked player is a rising star, placed 35th in the world.
Kasatkina is the most recent leading female player to end their season early, following two other stars, amid a notable increase of players retiring mid-match.
The tour governing body mandates top competitors to appear at a set number of tournaments, including the major tournaments, top-tier competitions, and six 500-level tournaments.
But world No. 2 Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's just impossible to squeeze it in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to choose some competitions and miss them, despite the fact that they are required.
“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the guidelines and just focus on what's beneficial for us.”
