🔗 Share this article Professional Player Kasatkina Finishes Season Prematurely, Citing Mental Exhaustion Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season early, describing the grueling calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally." The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region. She struggled with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21. The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her father for four years. She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that." "I am at breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she added. "Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman." "Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked. "Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging." "It's time I heeded my own needs for once." Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Prematurely Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks. The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue. Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar. Five players retired injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding." Tour Requirements and Player Issues The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to compete in each major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions. The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams. Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out. Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.