Tennis Star Kasatkina Ends Campaign Early, Citing Emotional Exhaustion
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the grueling schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered for form this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding 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 challenges, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I have 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 in the same boat as others," she added.
"Add in the mix 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 I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.
"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"It's time I heeded myself for once."
Other Players Also Ending Their Years Early
Former top-five players Elina 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 the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.
Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."
Tour Regulations and Player Concerns
The WTA requires for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
