Fall and rise
Daria Kasatkina, a 25-year-old Russian tennis player, sits at what many call the prime of her career, seemingly nearing the peak of her sports journey.
Five years ago, Kasatkina’s trajectory was bright. She burst onto the scene in 2018, becoming a teen star and climbing into the upper echelons of the WTA rankings. Yet the next stretch proved challenging. The following two years were difficult for the young athlete. She started 2019 with four losses and managed just two wins in Rome’s Masters by mid-May, signaling that the ascent was far from smooth.
Her form fluctuated, and by the end of the year she had only a handful of wins at the Masters in Beijing and just a single victory across Grand Slams. The 2020 season showed a slight upturn, with Kasatkina advancing a round in Roland Garros and reaching a semifinal in a WTA 250 event, but the overall momentum remained inconsistent. The Rome Masters saw some improvement, yet it could not mask the early doubts about her trajectory.
Then came a notable shift. The following season marked a real return. In February, Kasatkina claimed a WTA 250 title in Melbourne, and in March she captured another significant trophy in St. Petersburg. Her results in majors included solid showings at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open, and she reached the finals in a couple of tournaments, including San Jose, a venue she had previously claimed in the year before.
bright season
This season’s breakthrough was evident from the start, with Kasatkina performing at a high level across events. After lifting the San Jose title, she posted an impressive win tally for the year, underscoring her return to form and consistency. Her pace placed her among the top competitors, trailing only a couple of formidable players at the time, demonstrating her capability to compete with the world’s best.
Her success extended to defeating several players from the top ranks, moving to a leading position in the race behind the dominant top two and the world’s top player. In the WTA rankings, Kasatkina’s climb reached a career high near the top ten, marking a personal best in the ranking system. Her progress continued through the season, highlighting her improved consistency and resilience.
In Roland Garros, she reached the semifinals for the first time, falling to a familiar adversary. The path at the Australian Open remained competitive, with her advancing before meeting tough opponents, indicating a strong overall season—as she looked to capitalize on momentum heading into the year’s later stages.
Wimbledon restrictions affecting players from Russia altered some scheduling, but the late-season Grand Slam and the US Open provided fresh opportunities for Kasatkina to showcase her talent and potentially deliver standout performances on big stages.
get inspired by a girl
There are several factors behind Kasatkina’s transformation. Coaching sessions with Carlos Martinez and the lessons learned from past mentors have helped shape a more composed and focused approach. The psychological resilience to push forward and pursue long-term goals is evident in her renewed ambition.
Kasatkina has become more self-assured and articulate about her ambitions. She has emphasized that at 25, the window of opportunity must be seized with clear intent, aiming to maximize the results she has earned through years of dedication. Her mindset reflects a shift from potential to proven performance, with a readiness to give more than she takes.
Perhaps a personal turning point came alongside her relationship with fellow Russian athlete Natalya Zabiyako, a notable figure in figure skating. The couple has shared moments publicly from Barcelona, signaling a freer, more open chapter in Kasatkina’s life. She has discussed how social media reactions have affirmed the positive impact of her openness on others, highlighting a sense of empowerment and well-being that accompanies authenticity.
In her own words, she described feeling happier and more liberated, believing the move was right for her. The broader world’s climate underscored the importance of authenticity, and she embraced the opportunity to support others who face similar crossroads. Her partner Zabiyako publicly celebrated this progress, underscoring the emotional and professional support that can accompany personal growth and performance on the court.