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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the intense schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

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

"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"It's time I heeded my own needs for a change."

Other Players Also Ending Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in every major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.