Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Citing Mental Fatigue
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the demanding calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She struggled with consistency this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19-21.
Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her father for several years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."
"I have reached my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.
"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an single person."
"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"It's time I heeded myself for a change."
Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.
Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."
Tour Requirements and Player Concerns
The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete 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 last two weeks, as do each of the major championships.
Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no 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 preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in forcing change.
