Daria Kasatkina, the Russia-born Australian tennis player, has announced that she’s ending her 2025 WTA season early due to mental health struggles. The 28-year-old, currently ranked 19th in the world, revealed that she’s been feeling drained and overwhelmed by the constant travel, pressure, and stress of the tour schedule. Kasatkina shared her emotional struggles on Instagram, stating that she’s “hit a wall” and “can’t continue” without taking a break.
The tennis star cited the monotony of life on tour, the strain of seeking permanent residency in Australia, and the emotional burden of being separated from her parents as contributing factors to her decision. Kasatkina switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in March, which has led to additional stress due to Russia’s strict LGBTQ+ laws and her opposition to the war in Ukraine. Despite her struggles, Kasatkina expressed optimism about her return in 2026, stating she’ll come back “energized and ready to rock”.
Kasatkina’s decision comes after a challenging season, marked by a 19-22 record and no titles. Her last win was at the Ningbo Open in October 2024. The player has been open about her struggles, and her announcement has sparked support from fans and peers, highlighting the need for a more sustainable tour schedule.
