Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the intense calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from Russia to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not seeing her parent for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

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

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

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to compete in each major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.