Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Finishes Season Early, Citing Mental Fatigue
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her tennis season early, describing the grueling calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
She struggled with consistency throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.
Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she added.
"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."
"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"It's time I heeded myself for once."
Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Prematurely
Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do each of the major championships.
Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.
