Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Pointing to Emotional Exhaustion
World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the intense calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.
She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.
The athlete linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent 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 am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Combine the situation the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."
"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."
"It's time I listened to my own needs for a change."
Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.
Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."
Tour Regulations and Player Issues
The WTA requires for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.
