Tennis Star Kasatkina Finishes Campaign Early, Citing Emotional Exhaustion
World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year early, describing the intense schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.
She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19-21.
Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.
She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."
"I have reached my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.
"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.
"However, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and recharging."
"It's time I listened to myself for a change."
Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Early
Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.
Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.
Five players retired due to injury in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The WTA requires for top players to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.
Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in forcing change.