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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, characterizing the demanding calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

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

"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

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

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

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

Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Prematurely

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

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.

Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.

Five players retired due to injury in two tournaments in China last week, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes 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 two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.

Competitors can skip required tournaments 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.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.