Tennis Star Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Pointing to Emotional Strain
World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the grueling schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, failing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.
Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve 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 on-court showings reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.
"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."
"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."
"It's time I heeded my own needs for a change."
Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Early
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons early in the past few weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.
Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect 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 season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Regulations and Player Issues
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in every major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority 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 receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.