Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Ends Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her father for four years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."
"I am at breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.
"Combine the situation the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an single person."
"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"However, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break 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 Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in the past few weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.
Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in China last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."
Tour Regulations and Player Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in forcing change.
