Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Prematurely, Citing Mental Fatigue

World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, characterizing the grueling calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing 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 father for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

"I am at my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."

Other Players Also Ending Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to compete in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.