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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and chose to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the intense schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.

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

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.

"Combine the situation the psychological pressure 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 weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.

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

"It's time I heeded myself for once."

Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Early

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

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

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