Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Exhaustion
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, labeling the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record 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 father for four years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached my limit and unfortunately 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 individual woman."
"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for a change."
Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Prematurely
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."
Tour Regulations and Player Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.
Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.
