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

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

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for several years.

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

"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the mix the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

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

"However, 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 a change."

Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Prematurely

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

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Player Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to compete in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

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

Players 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.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in forcing change.