World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has ended her 2025 season prematurely, citing the tennis schedule as “too much, mentally and emotionally,” and declaring herself at a “breaking point.”
The 28-year-old, who switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in March amid criticism of her home country’s laws and the war in Ukraine, said the emotional toll of the switch—including not seeing her father for four years—contributed heavily to her struggles and her disappointing 19-21 season record.
“I’ve been far from fine for a long time… I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone,” Kasatkina wrote in a statement, noting the added stress of her nationality change.
Her withdrawal follows similar early season-ending decisions by former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa, highlighting growing player burnout concerns.
The intensive WTA calendar mandates top players to participate in all four Grand Slams, ten WTA 1000 events, and six 500-level tournaments, a schedule that many, including six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, have criticized as too long and intense.
