Tennis Star Kasatkina Concludes Season Prematurely, Citing Emotional Strain

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form this year, failing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

"I am at my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change."

Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in two tournaments in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Players can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.