Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Olympic champion and two-time Grand Slam winner, has weighed in on Daria Kasatkina’s career decisions, suggesting that if the Russian player does not want to chase a schedule defined by constant travel, retirement could be a serious consideration. He commented that championship-level tennis demands a demanding travel rhythm, and if Kasatkina finds this pace unsustainable, stepping away might be the prudent path for long-term wellbeing and happiness on court.
Further remarks from the former world number two touched on the pressures players face. He questioned whether anyone is forcing Kasatkina to compete at the highest level and asserted that if she feels overwhelmed by the travel and the grind, a pause or retirement could be a viable option. He noted that there have been many different moments in his own career, years of upheaval and adaptation, but refrained from detailing those specifics. The essence of his stance is simple: no one should endure a rigors that erodes personal health or joy in the sport, and prize money should not become the sole measure of a career worth pursuing.
Kasatkina has openly discussed fatigue tied to the tour’s travel demands in her most recent interviews, highlighting how the nonstop flights and frequent changes in time zones can take a toll on energy levels and performance. Her experiences reflect a broader conversation within the sport about the balance between competition and rest, and how players manage the demanding schedule that accompanies top-tier tennis. This candid sharing has sparked dialogue among fans and professionals about sustainability in professional tennis and the personal costs of chasing success on a global circuit.
In the current Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) standings, Kasatkina sits as the top Russian player in the rankings, currently holding the 11th spot with a total of 2915 points. The international field remains led by Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka, who has accumulated 9,381 points. Close behind is Polish talent Iga Swiatek with 8,545 points, while American rising star Cori Gauff sits with 6,455 points, rounding out the top three. These rankings illustrate the depth and competition across the women’s game, with Kasatkina continuing to be a focal point for Russian tennis as she weighs future tournament plans against personal capacity and visibility on the tour.
Observers noted that Kasatkina’s exit from the US Open did not come as a surprise to everyone familiar with her recent form and the travel demands she has described. The decision to step away from a grand slam event in a given year can reflect a strategic recalibration, a need to rest, or a shift in preparation, rather than solely an immediate reaction to a single tournament. As the sport evolves, players and coaches increasingly consider schedules, rest periods, and the long arc of a season to preserve peak performance while sustaining longevity on the court. Kasatkina’s trajectory remains a topic of ongoing discussion among analysts, fans, and fellow athletes who recognize her talents and the pressures inherent in competing at the highest levels of tennis.