Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Season Early, Pointing to Mental Strain
World number 19 the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and chose to end her tennis season early, labeling the intense schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
She struggled for form this year, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her parent for four years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."
"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an single person."
"Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Halting Seasons Early
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.
Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Regulations and Athlete Issues
The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.
