Daria Kasatkina will not play another tournament this season due to emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from her nationality switch and her participation on the Tour.
The former top 10 player has decided to take a break from the sport after suffering back-to-back first round defeats at the Korean Open and China Open. Since reaching the fourth round of the French Open in May, Kasatkina has only managed to win back-to-back matches in two out of eight tournaments played. She is currently ranked 19th in the world.
Coinciding with her results on the Tour. Earlier this year, the 28-year-old changed nationalities from Russia to Australia, where she is currently living. Kasatkina explained her decision to change citizenship is linked to Russia’s current anti-LGBT laws. She has also previously criticized the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I’ve been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that,” Kaskatine wrote in a statement.
“I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone.
“Add in to the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman.
“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 and recharging.
“It’s time I listened to myself for a change.”
Kasatkina is a former French Open semi-finalist who has won eight WTA titles so far in her career. Whilst it has been a lackluster season for the Australian, she has reached the third round or better at all four major events within the year for the first time.
Kasatkina, who has won 19 out of 41 matches played since January, is the latest player to end their season early. Others to do so include Beatriz Haddad Maia, Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa.
Kasatkina’s statement in full
source – https://x.com/dkasatkina
