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World number 19 the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, describing the intense schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

She struggled for form this year, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for several years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and recharging."

"The moment has come I listened to myself for once."

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Requirements and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be more united in advocating for reforms.