Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Exhaustion
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and chose to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.
The athlete attributed the mental strain 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 not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she added.
"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."
"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"It's time I listened to my own needs for a change."
Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."
Tour Regulations and Player Issues
The WTA requires for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four major championships.
Players can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.
