Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Ends Season Prematurely, Citing Mental Exhaustion

World number 19 the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year early, characterizing the demanding schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

"I am at my limit and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

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

Other Players Also Halting Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to participate in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

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 better aligned in advocating for reforms.