Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Ends Campaign Early, Pointing to Mental Fatigue

World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from Russia to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her father for four years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

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

"Add in the mix the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

"However, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

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

Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in two tournaments in China last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns

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

The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.