🔗 Share this article Tennis Star Kasatkina Ends Season Prematurely, Citing Emotional Exhaustion World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her competitive year early, characterizing the grueling calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally." The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19-21. Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her father for four years. She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that." "I have reached breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued. "Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and take as an individual woman." "If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated. "Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy." "It's time I listened to myself for once." Other Players Also Halting Their Years Early Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their seasons early in recent weeks. The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue. Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule. Five players withdrew injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense." Tour Regulations and Player Concerns The WTA requires for top players to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions. The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do all four major championships. Players can skip required tournaments 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 Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.