Professional Player Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Prematurely, Pointing to Mental Strain
World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her tennis season early, labeling the intense schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.
The athlete linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for four years.
She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."
"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.
"However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."
"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for once."
Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Seasons Early
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.
Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.
Five players withdrew injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."
WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to compete in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.
The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.
Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.
