Daria Kasatkina ends WTA season early after hitting ‘breaking point’

PARIS – World No. 19 Daria Kasatkina has called time on her 2025 WTA season after admitting in an emotional statement on Oct 6 that she was at “breaking point”.

The 28-year-old, who switched nationality from Russia to Australia in March, lost badly to Sonay Kartal in her opening match at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing last week to make it three defeats in a row.

She now holds her lowest ranking since May 2022.

“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,” she posted on social media.

“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.

“Truth is, I’ve hit a wall and I can’t continue. I need a break.

“The schedule is too much, mentally and emotionally I am at breaking point and sadly, I am not alone.”

The openly gay Kasatkina, who had criticised Russia’s attitude towards LGBTQ+ people and described the war in Ukraine as a “nightmare”, also referenced her change of nationality as a reason for her increased mental fatigue.

“Not being able to see my parents (four 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,” she said.

Kasatakina, who has won eight WTA titles, is now focusing her efforts on being fit for the start of the new season.

“I will be just fine though, and look forward to seeing you all in 2026, energised and ready to rock!!” she said.

Meanwhile, in on-court action at the Shanghai Masters, seventh seed Alex de Minaur of Australia beat Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak 6-1, 7-5 in the round of 32 on Oct 6 to record his ATP Tour-leading 36th win on hard courts in 2025 in 87 minutes.

Said de Minaur: “I came into this week knowing how tough the conditions were going to be. So the mindset ultimately is surviving, finding ways, and getting ready for battles every time you step out on the court.

“There is no such thing as easy matches, especially in these conditions , so I’m glad I was able to compose myself in the second set, get the break back, and finish it off in two . If we had gone into a third, it would have been very physical.”

He will next face Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who saw off Chinese home hope Shang Juncheng 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-3.

Meanwhile, US Open semi-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime will face eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti in a tasty last-16 tie.

Musetti beat Italian compatriot Luciano Darderi 7-5, 7-6 (7-1) while Auger-Aliassime triumphed over Dutchman Jesper de Jong 6-4, 7-5.

Rising American talent Learner Tien also reached the last 16, where he will face either Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or former Grand Slam champion Daniil Medvedev of Russia after beating Briton Cameron Norrie 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

But there was an early exit for world No. 3 Alexander Zverev of Germany, who lost to Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. The Frenchman will next face Czech Jiri Lehecka. AFP

Click here to read article