James Taylor
An Australian tennis star has abruptly ended her season after issuing a 'breaking point' statement.
World number 19 Daria Kastkina has decided to end her campaign early, citing the mental and emotional strain of the tour.
Kastkina switched her allegiance to Australia in March, leaving Russia following her criticism of the country's LGBTQ+ policies and the war in Ukraine. Before then, the 28-year-old had not visited Russia for two and a half years and had been living in Dubai.
It has been a challenging season for Kastkina, reflected in her record of 19-22, including 10 losses in her last 15 matches. Her final match of the year ended in a shock defeat to Britain's Sonny Kartal at the China Open.
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Following the loss, Kastkina took to social media to share her announcement.
She wrote: “‘I’m fine’, words I am sure we have all heard many women from many different walks of life use, knowing they’re not fine, they’re far from fine but they continue, 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.
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"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. 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 breaking point and sadly, I am not alone."
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Kastkina becomes the latest player on the WTA Tour to end her season, joining other high-profile stars: Beatriz Haddad Maia, Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa.
Svitolina recently revealed that she did not feel like herself and needed time to recover, while Haddad Maia also stressed the importance of recovery.
The stress of changing nationality further complicated Kastkina's year.
She wrote: “Add into 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.
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“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.
“2025 is done for me, and like me, it’s been far from time…
"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.”