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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, describing the grueling calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

She struggled with consistency this year, failing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

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

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

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

"However, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for a change."

Other Players Also Ending Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa 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 withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Players can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.