In a candid and emotional revelation, Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina has announced she is ending her 2024 season early to take a mental and physical break from the sport, admitting she has been struggling "for a long time."
The World No. 11 made the announcement following her first-round loss to Markéta Vondroušová at the China Open in late September, a defeat that seemingly became the final straw in a season filled with internal battles and inconsistent results.
A Candid Admission of Struggle
Kasatkina, known for her thoughtful and open nature both on and off the court, did not shy away from explaining the reasons behind her decision. In a post on her Telegram channel, the 27-year-old wrote, "I feel that I am not able to show a good level of tennis at the moment, and I have been struggling with this for a long time."
She elaborated that the constant travel, pressure, and grind of the tour had taken a significant toll, stating her need for a reset was paramount. "I feel exhausted and empty, so my team and I have decided to end the season," she shared with her followers.
This level of transparency is rare in professional sports, where athletes often mask vulnerabilities. Kasatkina’s honesty has been widely praised by fans and fellow players, highlighting the immense psychological pressures faced by elite competitors.
Dissecting a Challenging Season
On paper, Kasatkina’s 2024 season had its bright spots. She captured a title on the grass courts of Eastbourne, defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final, and reached the quarterfinals at the WTA 1000 event in Rome. However, these highs were punctuated by early exits at major tournaments.
Her Grand Slam performances were particularly disappointing by her standards, failing to advance past the third round in any of the four majors. This included a first-round exit at the Australian Open and a second-round loss at her home tournament, the French Open.
The inconsistency was a clear indicator of her internal struggle. In her own words from her Telegram post, the disconnect between her expectations and her on-court reality became a source of immense frustration: "The desire to win and play is still there, but the body and the head are not responding."
Key 2024 Results at a Glance
A summary of Kasatkina's performances in the major tournaments this year:
- Australian Open: First Round
- Roland Garros: Second Round
- Wimbledon: Third Round
- US Open: Third Round
- WTA 1000 Rome: Quarterfinal
- WTA 500 Eastbourne: Champion
The Broader Context: Mental Health in Tennis
Kasatkina’s decision is part of a growing, and increasingly vocal, movement within tennis where players are prioritizing their mental health. She follows in the footsteps of stars like Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the French Open in 2021 to protect her mental well-being, and Bianca Andreescu, who took extended breaks in 2021 and 2023.
The conversation was powerfully advanced by the retirement of Ashleigh Barty, who stepped away from the sport at the peak of her powers, as World No. 1, citing that she had "given everything I could" to the sport.
For Kasatkina, the pressures extend beyond the court. In 2022, she made the brave decision to come out as gay in a country with oppressive "LGBT propaganda" laws, a move that she admitted carried significant risks and added layers of stress to her life and career.
Support from the Tennis World
The reaction from the tennis community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Fellow players and commentators have taken to social media to express their understanding and wish Kasatkina a restorative break. This collective support underscores a shifting culture within the sport.
A prominent sports psychologist, who wished to remain anonymous, commented on the trend, stating, "The tour is a 11-month-a-year global circus. The physical demand is obvious, but the mental attrition—the loneliness, the constant pressure to perform, the public scrutiny—is often the true challenge. A break is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic necessity for a long career."
Looking Ahead: A Necessary Reset
By ending her season in early October, Kasatkina is forgoing the final WTA 1000 events in China and the season-ending championships. This decision, while difficult, is a clear investment in her future. The extended off-season will provide her with a rare opportunity for a complete physical and mental disconnect from the sport.
Her goals for the break are simple yet profound: to rest, recharge, and rediscover her joy for tennis away from the spotlight. In her announcement, she expressed a hopeful outlook for her return, writing, "I will do my best to come back stronger and with new energy."
This period of rest is not just about recovery; it is about rebuilding the foundation that made her a top-tier player—a French Open semifinalist in 2022 and a mainstay in the world's top 20 for years.
A Message to the Next Generation
Kasatkina’s public acknowledgment of her struggles serves as a powerful message to aspiring athletes. It normalizes the conversation around mental health and demonstrates that success is not a linear path free of doubt or fatigue.
Her courage in stepping away reinforces that an athlete's worth is not solely defined by their weekly results, but by their long-term health and happiness. It is a lesson in self-advocacy and a reminder that the person behind the player is paramount.
Conclusion: A Pause for Progress
Daria Kasatkina’s decision to end her season is far from a surrender. It is a strategic and courageous move born of self-awareness. In a sport that never stops, she has chosen to press pause, acknowledging that to move forward, she must first step back.
Her admission of a long-term struggle resonates with anyone who has faced burnout. As she takes this well-deserved break, the tennis world will be watching, not with impatience, but with respect and anticipation for the return of a refreshed and resilient competitor.
Kasatkina’s story in 2024 is a poignant chapter in the evolving narrative of modern athletics—one where victory is increasingly measured not just by trophies, but by the strength to listen to oneself and the courage to prioritize well-being above all else.