Professional Player Kasatkina Ends Campaign Prematurely, Citing Emotional Fatigue
Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the demanding schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from Russia to Australia in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Her performance suffered for form this year, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.
The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve 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 on-court showings reflect that."
"I am at my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.
"Add in the mix the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."
"The moment has come I listened to myself for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an persistent back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."
WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.
Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.
