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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

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

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

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for four years.

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

"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.

"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 individual woman."

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

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Prematurely

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

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

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

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

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

The majority of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.