🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her tennis season early, describing the grueling calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, failing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her father for four years.

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

"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

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

"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

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

Fellow Athletes 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 stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

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

Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings 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 players to be more united in forcing change.