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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her tennis season early, labeling the demanding calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

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

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

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship 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 results and performances show that."

"I have reached my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," 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 deal with and endure as an single person."

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

"However, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

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

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Their Years Early

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

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

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

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

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

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

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.