Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Campaign Prematurely, Citing Emotional Exhaustion
World number 19 the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the intense schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered for form this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."
"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.
"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"However, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.
Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors retired injured in two tournaments in China last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."
WTA Requirements and Athlete Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to compete in each major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.
Players may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
