Daria Kasatkina, the highest-ranked Australian tennis player, decided to withdraw from sport for the remainder of the year. As of now, she can be counted alongside only two other prominent female players in what has recently been dubbed the “2025 tap-out club.” Kasatkina’s decision follows in the footsteps of Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina. She reached this decision after going through an incredibly challenging season full of emotional and mental strain.
Her most recent match was a disappointing defeat to world number 81 Sonay Kartal. She lost in a rout, 6-3, 6-0 at the China Open in Beijing late last month. Kasatkina’s breakout came at the 2022 French Open, where she reached the semifinals. After struggling through recent months, she has not been to a Grand Slam quarterfinal since that memorable run. Now ranked a lowly 19th, she ended this year’s campaign with a disappointing 19-21 win/loss record.
A Shifting Landscape
In March 2023, Kasatkina became a household name when she took the rare step of changing her sporting nationality from Russian to Australian. The move was the result of her outspoken and continual condemnation of Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and current invasion of Ukraine. Since implementing this strategy, she soon rose to the top of the game to become Australia’s number one ranked female player.
Since moving, Kasatkina has dealt with deep personal struggles. She has been separated from her father, still in Russia, for four years. Each time, the emotional toll of leaving her family behind weighs heavily. Combined with the demands of professional tennis, it resulted in her present place of mental burnout.
“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.” – Daria Kasatkina
… the WTA’s grueling calendar has been a killer on the players. Kasatkina’s sentiments are indicative of an increased awareness among athletes with respect to the unhealthy pressures surrounding the profession.
A Challenging Year
The summer has been brutal to Kasatkina. But after her strong top ten run finishes the last four years, like her other female counterpart, she now finds herself out of that super exclusive club. Her top results in 2025 were fourth round appearances at the Australian Open and the French Open.
As she looks to make her exit from tennis, it’s this emotional toll that she says weighed heavily on her decision. The shift in her national identity has been a heavy burden on her soul. The grind of always having to compete and not being able to see her family has taken its toll on her.
“The schedule is too much, mentally and emotionally I am at breaking point and sadly, I am not alone,” – Daria Kasatkina
Kasatkina’s struggle strikes at the heart of a larger trend in professional sports, as athletes are pushed to the brink without proper backing and support.
Looking Ahead
While she is currently engaged to long-time girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, a former Olympic figure skater, Kasatkina’s future in tennis remains uncertain. She has decided to use this sabbatical for healing and self-care purposes. She understands that taking a break from competition like this would have a serious impact on her world ranking.
She is almost certain to fall out of the top 20. When we next see her, most likely as one of the local favorites at the Australian Open, her number could be significantly different. Despite not passing into a more competitive place, her health and well-being goals are always the priority.
“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 reenergising. It’s time I listened to myself for a change, my mind, my heart and my body.” – Daria Kasatkina
