Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Ends Campaign Prematurely, Pointing to Emotional Fatigue
World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her competitive year early, characterizing the demanding calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered with consistency this year, failing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19-21.
Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her parent for four years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."
"I am at my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.
"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and there is only 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 strong and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"It's time I heeded myself for a change."
Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their seasons early in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.
Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."
Tour Requirements and Player Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are injured 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 slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
