Daria Kasatkina is officially set to return to tennis at the start of 2026 after signing up for the Brisbane International, which is slated to take place between January 04-11.
A couple of days after being ousted 3-6 0-6 by Sonay Kartal in her opening Beijing match - which as the third consecutive loss for the new Australian tennis player - the 28-year-old announced in early October that she was ending her 2025 season. In her message, the eight-time WTA champion very directly listed all the reasons behind her decision as she admitted that she was dealing with a serious burnout and needed a complete rest from tennis.
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"Truth is, I've hit a wall and 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. 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," Kasatkina said at the time.
"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak. However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away, recharging, regrouping and reenergizing. It's time I listened to myself for a change, my mind, my heart and my body."
Kasatkina confirmed for Brisbane
Kasatkina, who was born in Tolyatti, represented Russia until switching her nationality to Australia in March. Now, the 28-year-old is set to kick off her 2026 season in Brisbane, where she will play as a home player for the first time.
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For Kasatkina, this will be her seventh Brisbane appearance. Her best result at the tournament came in 2024 when she made the quarterfinal before losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
