Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her father for four years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached my limit and sadly I am not alone," she added.
"Combine the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."
"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for once."
Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Regulations and Player Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do each of the major championships.
Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
