🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her competitive year early, labeling the grueling calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her parent for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

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

"Combine the situation the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

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

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

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

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

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

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players retired injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Concerns

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

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.