Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Finishes Season Early, Pointing to Mental Strain
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season early, describing the demanding calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.
She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her parent for four years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while 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.
"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."
"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I listened to myself for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Early
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.
Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.