Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Pointing to Mental Exhaustion
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered with consistency this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for four years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."
"I have reached my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.
"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."
"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"It's time I listened to myself for once."
Other Players Also Halting Their Years Prematurely
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons early in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.
Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."
Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues
The WTA requires for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.
Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in forcing change.
