Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Prematurely, Citing Mental Strain
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, describing the demanding schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her father for several years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.
"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an single person."
"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.
"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded myself for a change."
Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Prematurely
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their campaigns early in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.
Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.
Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Regulations and Athlete Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to participate in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.