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

World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the grueling calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her father for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

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

"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

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

"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."

"It's time I listened to my own needs for a change."

Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

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

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players 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 Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.