🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year early, characterizing the grueling schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old changed her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her parent for four years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the mix the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

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

Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

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

Five players retired injured in a pair of events in China last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

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

Players may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.