Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Ends Campaign Prematurely, Pointing to Mental Fatigue
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.
She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament 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 challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.
"Combine the situation the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."
"It's time I heeded my own needs for a change."
Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.
Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.
