ð Share this article Tennis Star Kasatkina Ends Season Early, Citing Mental Strain Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally." The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine. She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21. The athlete linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for four years. She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that." "I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued. "Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an single person." "Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated. "However, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy." "The moment has come I heeded myself for a change." Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Their Years Early Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in recent weeks. The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue. Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar. A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding." Tour Regulations and Player Concerns The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments. The majority 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 receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out. Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.