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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, describing the intense schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

"I have reached my limit and sadly I am not alone," she added.

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

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

"However, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for once."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the effect 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 Requirements and Athlete Issues

The WTA requires for top players to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.