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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

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

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, failing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for four years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

"I am at my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

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

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

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their campaigns early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.

Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.

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

Former world number one 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.