Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Pointing to Mental Exhaustion

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"It's time I heeded my own needs for once."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their seasons early in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured 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 Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.