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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the intense schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

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

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

The athlete linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

"I am at my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"It's time I heeded myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Seasons Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events 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 injured or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money 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 fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.