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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

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

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

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

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

"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

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

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

Other Players Also Ending Their Years Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

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

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

Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns

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

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

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