Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Early, Citing Emotional Fatigue
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the grueling calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.
Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."
"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Add in the mix the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an single person."
"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change."
Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Early
Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.
Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."
WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four major championships.
Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.