Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain

World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the intense calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

She struggled for form this year, failing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19-21.

The athlete linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

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

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."

"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

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

Other Players Also Halting Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

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

Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.