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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, describing the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

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

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

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

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

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

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players retired injured in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.

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 more united in forcing change.