🔗 Share this article Tennis Star Kasatkina Finishes Season Early, Pointing to Mental Strain Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her tennis season early, describing the demanding schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally." The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region. She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21. The athlete linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for several years. She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that." "I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued. "Add in the mix the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman." "Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated. "However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging." "It's time I heeded my own needs for once." Other Players Also Halting Seasons Early Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks. Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem. Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar. Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense." WTA Regulations and Player Issues The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions. The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships. Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they do not play. Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.