Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Citing Mental Exhaustion

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the intense calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.

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

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

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

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

"Should this label me as weak, 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 heeded myself for once."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

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

Five players retired injured in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Athlete Issues

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

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.