Tennis Star Kasatkina Ends Season Prematurely, Pointing to Emotional Fatigue

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her tennis season early, labeling the grueling calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included 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 in the same boat as others," she continued.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and take as an single person."

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

"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

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

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

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

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Concerns

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

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

Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.

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