Tennis Star Kasatkina Ends Season Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the intense schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.

She struggled with consistency this year, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances show 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 I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for once."

Other Players Also Ending Seasons Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent 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.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

Five players retired due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete 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 last two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, 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 reduced his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.