Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, characterizing the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality 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 this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for four years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, 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 citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an single person."
"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for once."
Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt 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.
A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."
Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns
The WTA requires for top players to compete in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.
Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.
