Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Ends Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "limit" and chose to end her tennis season early, labeling the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19-21.
The athlete linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for four years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."
"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I listened to myself for a change."
Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Prematurely
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons early in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."
Tour Regulations and Athlete Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.