Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Prematurely, Citing Mental Fatigue
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her tennis season early, describing the demanding schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered with consistency this year, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and take as an single person."
"Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.
"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change."
Other Players Also Ending Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.
Five players retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."
WTA Regulations and Player Issues
The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Players can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in forcing change.
