Daria Kasatkina Ends Tennis Season Due to Mental Health

Daria Kasatkina has ended her tennis season early, citing a mental and emotional "breaking point".

What happened?

The 28-year-old Australian tennis star announced her decision on social media, stating she's been far from fine for a long time. Her results and performances show that, with a 19-22 record this season and a loss to No. 60 Sonay Kartal in the Round of 64 of the China Open.

Why it matters for Daria Kasatkina

Kasatkina's decision comes after a challenging year, including a nationality switch from Russia to Australia and not being able to see her parents. She plans to return to the tour in 2026, feeling the need for a break from the monotonous daily grind of life on the tour. The pressure and schedule have taken a toll on her mental health, with Kasatkina saying she's hit a wall and can't continue.

What comes next?

Kasatkina's break is just the latest in a string of similar choices made by other women's tennis stars, including Elina Svitolina and Beatriz Haddad Maia. Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova have also temporarily stepped away from the sport for mental health-related reasons. As of October 6, Kasatkina sits at No. 19 in the WTA Tour singles rankings, with her last two Grand Slam appearances resulting in third-round losses. She will look to recharge and regroup before returning to the tour in 2026, feeling strong and determined to get back to her best. Kasatkina's decision highlights the importance of mental health in sports, with many athletes speaking out about the pressures and challenges they face. The tennis world will be watching as Kasatkina takes a break and prepares for her return, hoping to see her back to her best in the future. With her experience and talent, Kasatkina will be a force to be reckoned with when she returns to the tour, and her fans will be eagerly awaiting her comeback.