Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Early, Citing Emotional Fatigue
Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the grueling calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She struggled with consistency this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19-21.
Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not seeing her parent for several years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."
"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.
"Combine the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."
"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.
"However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."
"It's time I heeded my own needs for once."
Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns 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 psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."
Tour Requirements and Player Issues
The WTA requires for top players to participate in every major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.
Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.