Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Finishes Season Early, Citing Emotional Fatigue
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the demanding calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered for form this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
The athlete linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.
She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."
"I am at my limit and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.
"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an single person."
"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"It's time I heeded myself for a change."
Other Players Also Halting Their Years Early
Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their campaigns early in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.
Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to compete in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.
Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.
