Professional Player Kasatkina Concludes Campaign Prematurely, Citing Emotional Exhaustion

World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the intense calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

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

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change 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 stated.

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

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Other Players Also Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula 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 Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

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

Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA requires for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Players can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.