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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the intense schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

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

Her performance suffered for form this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

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

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

"I am at my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the mix 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 am not strong enough," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"It's time I listened to my own needs for once."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Prematurely

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

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

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

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.