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

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

She struggled with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

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

"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch 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'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Other Players Also Halting Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.