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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 "excessive, psychologically and personally."

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

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

The athlete linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

"I have reached my limit and sadly I am not alone," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and there is only 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 stated.

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

"The moment has come I heeded myself for a change."

Other Players Also Halting Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.

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

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

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last 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 rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in advocating for reforms.