Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Season Early, Citing Mental Strain
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the intense schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She struggled with consistency this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.
The athlete linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her parent for several years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."
"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Combine the situation the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an single person."
"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for once."
Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Early
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.
Other players have also spoken about the impact 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 Iga Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Player Concerns
The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete in every major tournament, 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 each of the major championships.
Players can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
