Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Early, Citing Emotional Strain
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and chose to end her competitive year early, labeling the intense calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from Russia 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 with consistency throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
The athlete attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her father for several years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."
"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.
"Combine the mix the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"However, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I listened to myself for a change."
Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Early
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.
Five players withdrew injured in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Player Issues
The WTA requires for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.
Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in forcing change.