Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Pointing to Mental Strain
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered for form this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for several years.
She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."
"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."
"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"However, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Halting Seasons Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.
Five players withdrew injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Regulations and Athlete Concerns
The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to participate in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Players may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.