'Breaking point': Aussie No.1 bows out after emotional season

A Break from the Game

Russian-turned-Australian tennis player Daria Kasatkina has decided to take a break from professional tennis, citing the overwhelming demands of life on tour and the emotional toll of her recent nationality switch. The world No.19, who is the only openly gay female in the top 100, made the decision to leave the sport for the 2025 season.

Kasatkina moved to Australia in March, with her sexuality being a key factor in her decision to become an Australian citizen. However, she has faced ongoing challenges in gaining full competition status in the country. This struggle, combined with the pressure of her career, has left her at a breaking point.

“I’ve been far from fine for a long time,” Kasatkina said in a post. “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.”

She continued, “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 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.”

Challenges in Competition Status

At the Australian Open launch, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley mentioned that he had not yet spoken to Kasatkina. He noted that her bid to represent Australia in team competitions, including the Billie Jean King Cup, was still ongoing.

“[This is] not dissimilar to many, many years ago – over 10 years ago – with Ajla Tomljanovic wanting to play for Australia ... then it’s up to the tennis authorities to [decide] on how that goes,” Tiley said. “We can certainly advocate.”

When asked about whether Kasatkina needed to be a citizen before representing Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup, Tiley explained that there were “many factors” involved. “I won’t go into those factors yet,” he said. “We’ll provide them with all the information we need to provide, including the fact that she has a deep desire to represent Australia.”

Struggles on the Court

Despite finishing the 2024 season as the world No.9 and reaching the round of 16 at the Australian Open and French Open this year, Kasatkina has struggled on court since June. She has experienced more losses than wins in 2025 for the first time since 2019.

Players have long complained about the demanding schedule, with the length of the season being criticized by top players, including world No.2 Iga Swiatek. Swiatek has previously stated that the never-ending season has increased injuries and left players fatigued.

Ukrainian world No.13 Elina Svitolina ended her season early in September for similar reasons, while Australian Alexei Popyrin took a break after Wimbledon to relax and “completely and utterly disconnect from tennis.”

Emotional and Mental Toll

Kasatkina also highlighted the additional stress of not being able to see her family in Russia due to her sexuality and her criticism of the invasion of Ukraine.

“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,” she said.

She concluded, “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.”