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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her competitive year early, 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 the month of March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at my limit and sadly I am not alone," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with 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 get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"It's time I heeded my own needs for once."

Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Prematurely

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

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

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in every major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

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

Players can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.