Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Ends Season Early, Pointing to Emotional Exhaustion
World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism 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.
The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.
She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."
"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Halting Seasons Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.
Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Regulations and Player Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.
