Professional Player Kasatkina Concludes Season Early, Pointing to Emotional Exhaustion
World number 19 the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her competitive year early, characterizing the demanding calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered with consistency this year, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.
Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not seeing her father for several years.
She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."
"I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued.
"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."
"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and recharging."
"It's time I heeded myself for a change."
Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Early
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.
Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.
Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to compete in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, 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 points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in forcing change.
