Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Pointing to Mental Strain
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her tennis season early, describing the intense schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She struggled with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for several years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."
"I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she added.
"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."
"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"However, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for once."
Other Players Also Halting Seasons Prematurely
Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.
Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Player Issues
The WTA requires for top players to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Players can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.