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World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the intense calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not seeing her father for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."

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

"Add in the mix the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I listened to myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their seasons ahead of time 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 spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players retired due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

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 advocating for reforms.