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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the intense calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her father for four years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, 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 situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"It's time I heeded myself for once."

Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

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

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

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

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.