Tennis Star Kasatkina Finishes Campaign Prematurely, Citing Emotional Exhaustion

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season early, labeling the intense schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

"I have reached 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 citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

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

Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.