“I feel like a lot of weight has dropped off my shoulders. I am free and happy. For me this is the most important thing and … I feel this decision is right,” Daria Kasatkina declared in May before the 2025 French Open, her voice filled with relief after gaining permanent residency in Australia, a move shaped by Russia’s stance on gay rights and the war in Ukraine. Yet, as the season failed to unfold the way she had hoped, the emotional toll grew heavier. Now, in a sudden turn, Kasatkina has stepped away from tennis, with her nationality switch weighing heavily and keeping her apart from her father, as the mounting pressure became too much to bear.

In a deeply emotional Instagram story, 28-year-old WTA star Daria Kasatkina opened up about the hidden battles behind her season. She began with the words “I’m fine”, before explaining how so many women use that phrase when they are far from fine. “This is me. 2025 has been my ‘I’m fine’ year. I’ve been far from fine for a long time, and truth be told, my results and performances show that; the fans aren’t stupid, they can see it too. I’ve kept a lid on my feelings because I don’t want to seem like I am moaning, weak, or god forbid, ungrateful or unappreciative of this amazing life we live as professional tennis players.”

Her words carried the weight of exhaustion. “Truth is, I’ve hit a wall and I 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. The schedule is too much, mentally and emotionally. I am at a breaking point, and sadly, I am not alone.” It was an admission not just of her own struggle but of a wider truth players rarely express so openly.

Kasatkina also addressed the strain of her nationality change, which has kept her separated from her father for four years. “Add in to the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch, not being able to see my parents (4 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 and take as an individual woman, all whilst competing with the best female athletes in the world. If this makes me weak, then so be it, I’m weak. However, I know I am strong and I 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.”

The candor didn’t stop there. “2025 is done for me, and like me, it’s been far from fine… So I am joining the 2025 tap-out club. I will be just fine though, and look forward to seeing you all in 2026, energised and ready to rock!! With love Dasha.”

Her message was not just a farewell, but a reminder of the humanity behind the athlete, vulnerable, bruised, yet determined to rise again.

Even from a broader perspective, 2025 has been a challenging year for Daria Kasatkina on court. She was recently ousted in the first rounds of both the Korea Open and China Open, falling in straight sets to Katerina Siniakova and Sonay Kartal, marking her 10th and 11th opening-round exits this season. The results have not reflected her talent or potential, leaving the Russian-born star grappling with mounting frustration.

While Kasatkina has now called off the remainder of her season, her absence also highlights a deeper personal struggle. She has long been candid about missing her father and caring for her parents, who remained in Russia, making this break as much about family and emotional reprieve as it is about tennis.

Daria Kasatkina opens up emotionally about her parents’ struggles

In a conversation with CBS News last year, Daria Kasatkina opened up about her concern for her parents, who chose to remain in Russia. “I always worry about them, about the people I love, of course. I can have my thoughts, but they are my parents. If I want them to respect my decision, I have to respect their decisions,” she explained, reflecting the delicate balance between personal conviction and familial bonds.

Kasatkina has consistently voiced her opposition to the war, making clear her stance despite the challenges it brings. She revealed, “I want to be able to respect myself when I look in the mirror, and if being a good person means I have to sacrifice my home, that’s my choice.” Her words underline the moral and emotional complexity of navigating her career and life far from home.

Even in 2023, Kasatkina acknowledged the plight of the Ukrainian people, noting that they are in a “way worse situation.” She also accepted the reality that the conflict would not be resolved quickly, stating, “My family, my parents are still in Russia. As you can see, the last few days it’s been a big mess also there.” Her reflections reveal the heavy emotional toll carried alongside the pressures of professional tennis.

Now, as Kasatkina calls an early end to her 2025 season, she will use this period to rest and recharge. The break marks not just a pause from competition, but a chance to reconcile her personal, emotional, and professional worlds after a turbulent year.

Looking ahead, Kasatkina prepares for her first Australian summer as an Aussie representative. Can she emerge stronger and hit the ground running in 2026? 

Only time will tell as she embarks on this next chapter of her journey.