Professional Player Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Early, Pointing to Emotional Fatigue
World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her competitive year early, labeling the intense schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.
She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19-21.
Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her father for several 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 have reached my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.
"Combine the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."
"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for once."
Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent 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.
Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.
A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.
