Daria Kasatkina has ended her season early and announced that she is taking a break from tennis after spending the year “keeping a lid on her feelings”. It’s been a significant season for the world No. 19, who hails from Russia, as she switched allegiances and started representing Australia in late March.
In a candid statement, Kasatkina said she had been “far from fine for a long time” but attempted to push on and compete, even though it was evident in her performances and results. The Aussie tennis star, who was expected to defend her title in Ningbo later this month, will now return to competition next year.
The 28-year-old took to Instagram stories to share a powerful message about her emotional and mental stress.
Kasatkina wrote: “‘I’m fine’, words I am sure we have all heard many women from many different walks of life use, knowing they’re not fine, they’re far from fine but they continue, breaking themselves a little more each time.
“This is me. 2025 has been my ‘I’m fine’ year. I’ve been far from fine for a long time and truth be told, my results and performances show that, the fans aren’t stupid, they can see it too. I’ve kept a lid on my feelings because I don’t want to seem like I am moaning, weak, or god forbid ungrateful or unappreciative of this amazing life we live as professional tennis players.
“Truth is, I’ve hit a wall and I can’t continue. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour, the suitcases, the results, the pressure, the same faces (sorry girls), everything that comes with this life.
“The schedule is too much, mentally and emotionally I am at breaking point and sadly, I am not alone.
“Add into the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch, not being able to see my parents (4 years now for my father and I), plus the ongoing battles to gain full Australian competition eligibility, it’s a lot and there is 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 this makes me weak, then so be it, I’m weak. However, I know I am strong and I will get stronger by being away, recharging, regrouping and reenergising. It’s time I listened to myself for a change, my mind, my heart and my body.
“2025 is done for me, and like me, it’s been far from time… So I am joining the 2025 tap out club. I will be just fine though, and look forward to seeing you all in 2026, energised and ready to rock!! With love, Dasha.”
Kasatkina is not the only player to feel the toll of the lengthy tennis calendar and end her season early. World No. 13 Elina Svitolina ended her season after Ukraine’s semi-final loss at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, while Paula Badosa is also out injured.
It’s been a rollercoaster season for Kasatkina, who announced that she would begin representing Australia at the end of March.
The Russian-born star has been vocal in opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in recent years, and as an openly gay player, Kasatkina said she couldn’t “live a free and open life” in her country of birth.
Kasatkina did not make it beyond the quarter-final of any tournament this year, and her only quarter-final appearance came at the start of the season in Adelaide. She ends the season on a three-match losing streak.