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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, labeling the grueling calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered for form this year, not managing to win a tournament 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 difficulties, which included not seeing her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

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

"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

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

Other Players Also Ending Seasons Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

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

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Athlete Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.