🔗 Share this article

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

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

The athlete linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to 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 I accept it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I listened to myself for once."

Other Players Also Ending Seasons Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Athlete Issues

The WTA requires for top players to compete in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

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