Imagine a world where a top athlete, seemingly at the peak of their career, suddenly loses their passion and identity. This is the story of Daria Kasatkina, the newest Australian tennis star, and her journey of self-discovery.
In the upcoming 2026 Australian Open, all eyes will be on the top seeds, Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz. However, a compelling narrative unfolds with Daria Kasatkina, who switched her allegiance from Russia to Australia in March 2025. This marks her debut playing under the Australian flag at Melbourne Park, making her a must-watch player.
I had the opportunity to speak with Kasatkina for this Saturday's tennis edition of Good Weekend. Our conversation delved into her coming out in 2022, the impact of the Ukraine invasion, and whether her love for tennis had endured the test of time. You can find the full piece and read it in detail.
But here's where it gets controversial... Kasatkina, once a rising star, found herself in a state of crisis. She lost her sense of self, her desire to compete, and even her hair. After 11 years on the women's professional tour, the relentless cycle of travel, training, and competition had taken its toll. In October 2025, she made the difficult decision to end her season early.
"The first three weeks of my break were actually terrible," she admitted via video call from Barcelona, where she trains. "Even though I was resting, taking a break, the first three weeks I couldn’t understand what’s going on. Who I am, what am I doing?"
During our conversation, it had been almost six weeks since Kasatkina had even touched a racquet. The tennis world continued without her, but the 28-year-old had distanced herself from the game she once loved. "I felt that I completely hate what I’m doing," she confessed. "I don’t want to be out there."
This was a stark reality for someone who had once reached a career-high ranking of world No. 8 and enjoyed significant success since turning professional in 2014. Kasatkina boasts eight career titles, her first at Charleston, South Carolina, in 2017, on her preferred clay surface. She also won the Billie Jean King Cup with the Russian team in 2021 and reached her maiden grand slam semi-final at Roland Garros in 2022. That's a lot of achievements!
However, towards the end of 2025, the lows became more frequent. On the court, her game faltered. She lost matches she would typically win, against lower-ranked opponents. For the first time since 2019, her season losses (22) outnumbered her wins (19).
Off the court, she was struggling as well. "The last couple of years, they were pretty harsh," she noted. "At the beginning, the first two, three years I was able to handle all of this pressure and the situation and the environment … but after three-and-a-half years, I realised that I am cracking."
And this is the part most people miss... Kasatkina's story is a powerful reminder that even the most successful individuals can face internal struggles. Her journey highlights the importance of mental health and the courage it takes to prioritize one's well-being. What do you think about the pressure athletes face? Do you believe it's possible to balance the demands of a high-profile career with personal well-being? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
