Daria Kasatkina Steps Away from Tennis

Australia’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, Daria Kasat-kina, has announced she’s stepping away from the sport for the rest of the year, saying she’s “at breaking point” after a tough season on tour.

The world number 19 made the announcement on social media, saying the mental and emotional toll of touring this season has been too much — especially after changing her nationality from Russia to Australia earlier this year.

“I’ve been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show thatm" she said.

“Not being able to see my parents (four 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."

The 28 year old said  she's been keeping a lid on her feelings for sometime now due to not wanting to appear weak, ungrateful or inapppreciative of the "amazing life (she gets to live) live as professional tennis players".

“Truth is (though), I’ve hit a wall and I can’t continue. I need a break," she said.

A winner of eight WTA titles, Kasatkina says she’s now focusing on getting healthy and hopes to return at the start of 2026 — “energised and ready to rock.”