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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the intense calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.

She struggled with consistency this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her father for several years.

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

"I am at breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

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

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

Other Players Also Halting Seasons Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons early in the past few weeks.

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

Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.