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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the intense calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

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

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and take as an single person."

"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

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

Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Concerns

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

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be more united in advocating for reforms.