Professional Player Kasatkina Ends Campaign Early, Pointing to Mental Fatigue
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.
She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title 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 challenges, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."
"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.
"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an single person."
"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.
"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"It's time I listened to my own needs for a change."
Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Early
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."
WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four major championships.
Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.
