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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, labeling the intense calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

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

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her parent for four years.

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

"I have reached my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the mix the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an single person."

"Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

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

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

Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

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

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players retired injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to compete 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 a fortnight, as do all four 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 Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.