Tennis Star Kasatkina Ends Campaign Prematurely, Pointing to Mental Strain
World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and chose to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, characterizing the intense calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She struggled for form this year, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record 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 involve not seeing her father for several years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued.
"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure 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 being away and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.
Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Requirements and Player Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in every major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players may miss mandatory events 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 Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.
