Daria Kasatkina Ends Her 2025 Season Early

Daria Kasatkina has officially called time on her 2025 season. In a statement shared on social media, the Russian-born Australian announced she would end her campaign almost a month early.

The decision comes as little surprise, as Kasatkina has clearly been struggling since the grass-court swing. After the French Open, she managed to win only five of the 19 matches she played (two at Wimbledon and two at the US Open).

She hit rock bottom at the China Open last week, where she was swept aside by Sonay Kartal, 6-3 6-0. Hence, Kasatkina decided it was better to shut down her season, get the rest she needs, and focus on 2026.

Daria’s Honesty

The message Kasatkina posted on social media was remarkably honest. She didn’t look for excuses but openly admitted to “not being fine,” something she said fans could already sense from her disappointing results.

She also addressed the demanding schedule, echoing complaints from Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz about the tennis season being too long, while revealing personal struggles–including not being able to see her father for four years.

Currently ranked No. 19 in the world and No. 34 in the Race, Kasatkina is expected to drop several spots. Despite some bright moments, like reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open, her season has fallen short of expectations.

Not only did she fail to reach any finals (she had reached 14 across the previous four seasons, winning six titles), but in 2024 she also qualified for the WTA Finals in Riyadh as an alternate, replacing Jessica Pegula–only to lose 6-1 6-0 to Iga Świątek in the final round-robin match.

Not the Only One

Kasatkina is not the only player to end her season early. Over the past week, three other top players have done the same. Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina said she needed time to rest and recharge. Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia announced she wanted to focus on her health and take extra rest. Spain’s Paula Badosa was forced to do so after another injury setback at the China Open.

Kasatkina’s Statement

“’I’m fine.’ Words I’m sure we’ve all heard many women from different walks of life use — knowing they’re not fine, they’re far from fine, but they keep going, breaking themselves a little more each time.

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’m moaning, weak or, God forbid, ungrateful for this amazing life we live as professional tennis players.

The 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 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’m at breaking point — and sadly, I’m not alone. Add to that the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch, not being able to see my parents (four years now without seeing my father), plus the ongoing battles to gain full Australian competition eligibility — it’s a lot. There’s only so much I can handle as an individual woman, all while competing against the best female athletes in the world.

If this makes me weak, then so be it — I’m weak. But I know I’m strong, and I will get stronger by stepping away, recharging, regrouping and re-energising. It’s time I finally listened to myself — my mind, my heart, and my body.

2025 is done for me, and like me, it’s been far from fine.

So I’m joining the 2025 ‘tap-out club.’ I’ll be just fine, though, and I look forward to seeing you all in 2026 — energised and ready to rock!

With love,
Dasha”