Daria Kasatkina announced she is ending her 2025 season by issuing a deeply honest post as the world No. 19 admits she is at "a breaking point" and hasn't felt fine in a long time.
When the year started, Kasatkina - who won two WTA titles last year before changing her nationality from Russia to Australia - was ranked at No. 9 in the world. In the first nine months of the season, the Australian tennis player appeared in 22 tournaments and posted a mere 19-22 record.
In her last tournament played at the China Open in Beijing, Kasatkina got destroyed by Sonay Kartal 6-3 6-0 in her opening match. For the former world No. 8, it was her third consecutive loss.
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Kasatkina: I've hit a wall and I can't continue
"Ive been far from fine for a long time and truth be told, my results and performances show that, the fans arent stupid, they can see it too. Ive kept a lid on my feelings because I dont want to seem like I am moaning, weak or god forbid ungrateful or unappreciative of this amazing life we live as professional tennis players," the 28-year-old wrote.
"Truth is, Ive hit a wall and I cant 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."
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In the same message, Kasatkina - who criticized the Russian government in 2022 and came out as gay the same year - admitted that not seeing her family for four years has also been a tough thing to deal with.
However, Kasatkina concluded her message by saying she would be "fine" and confirming that she would be back in 2026.
