Daria Kasatkina Declares Season Hiatus Citing ‘Psychological Pressure’
The nation's highest-rated WTA competitor has opted to take a break for the remainder of the tennis calendar, admitting she is at her “emotional and mental breaking point.”
Reasons Behind the Announcement
Daria Kasatkina, who this year altered her nationality from Russia to Australia, blamed the change for contributing to immense “psychological pressure.”
Other reasons consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being away from her relatives and the demanding circuit routine.
“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, truth be told, my results and performances show it,” she posted on her online accounts.
She continued, “Truth is, I've encountered a barrier and must stop now. I require time off. A break from the tedious cycle of life on the tour, the travel, the results, the pressure, the regular competitors (sorry, girls), everything that comes with this career.”
Personal Struggles and Upcoming Goals
“There's only so much I can deal with and cope with as a person, all whilst battling the top competitors in the world.”
“If this makes me weak, then that's acceptable, it's true. However, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by stepping back, recharging, regrouping and reenergising. Now is the moment I listened to myself for a shift, my thoughts, my feelings and my body.”
She chose to switch allegiance after leaving Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having publicly spoken against the nation's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the war on Ukraine. Originally based in the Middle East, she relocated to Melbourne and became a permanent resident in early this year.
She subsequently became engaged to partner Natalia Zabiiako, who won a Olympic silver for her former team at the PyeongChang Games after first representing for her birth nation Estonia.
Kasatkina additionally shared she has been unable to visit her father, who stayed behind in Russia, for an extended period.
Career Context
A major tournament contender in 2022, Kasatkina had concluded the previous four seasons among the world's best but is currently 19th after a challenging season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.
She is projected to exit the leading positions by the time the home major arrives.
The 28-year-old announced she plans to come back in next year, “energised and ready to rock,” with the lead-in to her home grand slam expected to be a key objective.
Wider Context
The nation's current No. 2 is a rising star, holding the 35th position.
She is the third elite athlete to cut short their year, following Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, amid a growing pattern of athletes withdrawing during competitions.
The Women's Tennis Association mandates leading players to participate in a minimum of 20 events, featuring the Grand Slam events, premier tour stops, and additional WTA events.
But elite competitor Iga Swiatek remarked recently, “It's just impossible to fit it all in the itinerary. It's possible I will have to pick some events and skip them, despite the fact that they are obligatory.
“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just focus on what's healthy for us.”