Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Citing Emotional Fatigue
World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, describing the demanding calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered with consistency this year, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.
Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her father for several years.
She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."
"I am at my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."
"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.
"However, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"It's time I listened to my own needs for once."
Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Prematurely
Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons early in recent weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.
A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
WTA Regulations and Player Issues
The WTA requires for top players to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Players can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
