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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her competitive year early, characterizing the intense calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form 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 major contributor to her challenges, which included not seeing her father for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

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

"Add in the mix the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

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

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

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

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to participate in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, 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 players to be more united in forcing change.