Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Ends Campaign Prematurely, Pointing to Emotional Exhaustion
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, describing the intense schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.
She struggled for form this year, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.
Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not seeing her parent for several years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."
"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.
"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."
"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"However, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"It's time I listened to myself for once."
Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early
Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Regulations and Athlete Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier 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 Grand Slams.
Players can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, 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 schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in advocating for reforms.