Tennis Star Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Citing Emotional Strain
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her competitive year early, labeling the intense schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered for form this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for four years.
She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."
"I am at breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.
"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and take as an single person."
"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."
Other Players Also Halting Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.
Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar.
Five players retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Requirements and Player Issues
The WTA requires for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do all four major championships.
Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
