Daria Kasatkina is set to make a highly anticipated return to professional tennis at the Brisbane International in January, following a significant break to focus on her mental health. The Russian-born player, who recently switched her allegiance to Australia, is also gearing up for the Australian Open, marking her first appearance as a local competitor. This comes after a challenging year that saw her grappling with the pressures of the tennis circuit and personal stressors.
Kasatkina, a former world number eight, made the decision to represent Australia in March, shortly after reaching the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the first time. Her transition to Australian representation was followed by a series of commendable performances, including reaching the fourth round at Roland Garros and the third rounds at both Wimbledon and the US Open. However, in October, she announced a hiatus from the sport, citing “emotional and mental stress” as the primary reasons for her withdrawal.
“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’s Journey and Challenges
Kasatkina’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and trials. In 2022, she reached the semi-finals of the French Open, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the world. Despite finishing the past four calendar years ranked in the top 10, she has since dropped to 37th, following her break from the sport. This decline means she is unlikely to be seeded at the upcoming Australian Open, trailing behind fellow Australian player Maya Joint, who is currently ranked 32nd.
Despite the challenges, Kasatkina remains a significant drawcard for the Brisbane International. Her participation is expected to attract considerable attention, with matches likely to be held at the prestigious Rod Laver Arena. Her credentials and past performances ensure she remains a player to watch.
Support from Fellow Players
Kasatkina’s return is being met with enthusiasm and support from her peers. Veteran players Storm Hunter and Daria Saville, both of whom have close ties with Kasatkina, have expressed confidence in her ability to perform well and adapt to her new role as an Australian representative.
Hunter, who has known Kasatkina for years, emphasized the importance of support from the local tennis community. “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.”
“The biggest thing is just showing her that she has our support,” Hunter added. “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.”
Saville, who is currently pregnant and will be skipping the Australian Open, has maintained regular contact with Kasatkina during her break. “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.
Looking Ahead: Kasatkina’s Prospects
As Kasatkina prepares to return to the court, expectations are high for her performance in the upcoming season. Her ability to connect with fans and her openness about her personal struggles have endeared her to many, both within and outside the tennis community.
Hunter predicts that the local crowd will embrace Kasatkina, highlighting her personable nature and transparency. “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.”
“She will definitely feel nervous, but she’s going to be just fine,” Hunter concluded.
As the tennis world eagerly awaits her return, Kasatkina’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the resilience required to overcome personal and professional challenges. Her upcoming matches at the Brisbane International and the Australian Open will not only test her skills but also her ability to thrive under the spotlight as a newly minted Australian athlete.
