Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Ends Season Prematurely, Citing Mental Strain

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season early, characterizing the grueling calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her parent for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.

"However, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for a change."

Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns 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 mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.