Tennis Star Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Pointing to Mental Exhaustion
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the demanding calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.
The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.
"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress 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 fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"However, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."
"The moment has come I listened to myself for a change."
Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Prematurely
Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.
Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.
Five players retired injured in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."
WTA Regulations and Player Issues
The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.