Several tennis stars are seeing their bodies fail them as the season approaches its latter stages.
In yet another withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters, world number two Jannik Sinner was forced to call a halt to his third-round clash with Tallon Griekspoor due to severe cramp.
On the women’s side, Qinwen Zheng was the latest addition to the list of retirements, having reaggravated her elbow injury at the China Open in her second match back since undergoing surgery.
The packed schedule is beginning to catch up with players from both tours, and now one WTA star has ‘mentally and emotionally’ reached ‘breaking point.
WTA star announces she will miss the rest of the 2025 season
Former Roland Garros semifinalist Daria Kasatkina has announced on Instagram that she will miss the rest of the 2025 season.
In a post on her story, Kasatkina said: “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.
“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.
“Add in to 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.
“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 fine.
“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.'”
Daria Kasatkina’s recent results on the WTA Tour
Kasatkina exited the US Open in the third round to eventual semifinalist Naomi Osaka and has struggled since then.
She crashed out in the first round of the Korea Open as the fourth seed, losing to Katerina Siniakova in straight sets.
At the China Open, her run also came to an end in round one, suffering a heavy defeat to Britain’s Sonay Kartal.
Recently, Kasatkina withdrew from the Wuhan Open, but will now be sidelined until January.
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