Daria Kasatkina didn't have the best campaign in 2023, especially compared to the year before, but she's hoping to get back to that in 2024.
Kasatkina played at the WTA Finals in 2022 after a really strong campaign but that didn't happen in 2023. She wasn't spectacularly bad but she wasn't as good as she can and that's something she wants to change in 2024.
There is reason for optimism, though, as she thinks she knows how she'll get there, which is important. Having a plan is good even though, more often than not, plans don't work out. She wants just to rediscover her inner kid because she deems it very important - never lose that kid's enthusiasm.
I'm trying to get back to the kids' mentality. Remembering when I was a little kid, going to practise in the parents' car. I really believe that this child part inside every person, that's what helps you.
Part of the reason Kasatkina wants to return to that mindset is because everything is more fun when you're a kid. There is just this aura of optimism and brightness that makes everything more enjoyable. After all, tennis is a game first and should be fun for those who play it.
I now realise that when you are a kid, everything it's more bright, everything feels amazing, unbelievable. And then as an adult, you're seeing the same things and they're not that amazing anymore. This is very sad. Like, the colours are becoming less bright. Keep this child alive, inside, is very important, because this will make you enjoy life more.
Having Kasatkina at the top of tennis is important for the sport because she's a very outspoken player rarely mincing her words on anything. She also came out publicly last year becoming a huge role model for all athletes who struggle with their identity.
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