Professional Player Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Strain

World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the demanding calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19-21.

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her parent for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."

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

"However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for a change."

Other Players Also Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Requirements and Athlete Issues

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

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

Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.