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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

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

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

The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her parent for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

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

"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons early in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa 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 two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

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

Players may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be better aligned in forcing change.