Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Citing Emotional Strain
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
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 linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.
"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"It's time I heeded myself for a change."
Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Early
Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.
Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in two tournaments in China last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."
WTA Requirements and Player Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no 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 fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.
