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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and chose to end her tennis season early, characterizing the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

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

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she continued.

"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"If this makes me 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 my own needs for once."

Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Player Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to compete in each major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Players may miss required tournaments if they are injured 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 slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.