Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Prematurely, Pointing to Mental Fatigue

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, labeling the intense schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered for form this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor 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 on-court showings reflect that."

"I have reached my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

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

"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.

"However, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"It's time I heeded myself for once."

Other Players Also Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.