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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form this year, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.

The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which included not seeing her father for several years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

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

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

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

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."

"It's time I listened to myself for once."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

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

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour 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 not get any points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in advocating for reforms.