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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the intense calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

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

"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"It's time I heeded myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.

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

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

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

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.