Professional Player Daria Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Citing Emotional Exhaustion

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

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

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for several years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

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

"It's time I listened to my own needs for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Seasons Early

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

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

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

Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

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

Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.