Daria Kasatkina is set to make a significant return to the tennis circuit, following a mental health hiatus, by competing in the Brisbane International and the Australian Open. This comes after the Russian-born player switched her allegiance to Australia earlier this year, a move supported by fellow players Storm Hunter and Daria Saville.
Kasatkina, who made headlines by reaching the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the first time, declared for Australia in March. Her performance continued to impress as she reached the fourth round at Roland Garros and advanced to the third rounds at both Wimbledon and the US Open. However, in October, she decided to end her season prematurely, citing “emotional and mental stress” due to the transition, the demands of the tennis schedule, and the strain of being away from her family.
“I’ve been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that,” the 28-year-old shared on social media. “Truth is, I’ve hit a wall and can’t continue. I need a break.” Kasatkina has vowed to return “energised and ready to rock” in 2026, with her comeback starting at the Brisbane International on January 4.
Kasatkina’s Road to Recovery and Return
A former world number eight and a French Open semi-finalist in 2022, Kasatkina finished the past four years ranked in the top 10. However, she has since slipped to 37th in the rankings and is unlikely to be seeded in the upcoming tournaments. Despite this, her participation is highly anticipated, with expectations that she will feature prominently at venues like Rod Laver Arena.
Hunter, who has been acquainted with Kasatkina for years, expressed confidence in her ability to perform and in the local crowd’s willingness to embrace her. “It’ll definitely be a new thing for her,” Hunter told AAP. “I don’t think she needs any tips from us. She’s played in a lot of high-pressure moments herself.”
Support from Fellow Players
Kasatkina’s integration into the Australian tennis community has been smooth, with support from players like Hunter and Saville. Hunter mentioned a group chat with Australian female tennis players in which Kasatkina is actively involved, highlighting the camaraderie and support she receives.
“We have a group chat with Australian female tennis players. She’s part of that. She’s very active in it as well, talking. She knows that she has the support of the players,” Hunter explained. She also predicted that Kasatkina would excel at Melbourne Park, noting her openness and the positive reception she is likely to receive from the crowds.
“The crowds will love her because she is such a very nice person, very open, honest, she wears her heart on her sleeve,” Hunter said. “She’s got her YouTube channel, so everyone can get along, and they know her story and what’s happened. That’s really cool.”
Friendship and Future Prospects
Kasatkina’s close friendship with Saville, another Russian-born player who has also embraced Australian nationality, has been a source of support during her break. The two have maintained regular contact, with Saville providing encouragement and reassurance.
“We always check in on each other and reach out to each other. Sometimes it’s not that deep and not that serious,” Saville shared with AAP. She is optimistic about Kasatkina’s return, despite her own absence from the Australian Open due to pregnancy.
“I think she’s going to really enjoy it,” Saville said. “When she played in New York, she felt very welcomed. We’re a group of girls, we’re really nice. We’re like, ‘you’re part of us, hello’. She’s really excited to come to Australia and enjoy the home advantage.”
Looking Ahead
As Kasatkina prepares for her return to competitive tennis, her story highlights the ongoing conversation about mental health in sports. Her decision to take a break underscores the pressures faced by athletes and the importance of addressing mental well-being.
With the Brisbane International and Australian Open on the horizon, Kasatkina’s journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Her return not only marks a personal milestone but also sets the stage for a new chapter in her career under the Australian flag.
