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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to end her competitive year early, labeling the demanding schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

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

She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her father for four years.

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

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and take 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 strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for once."

Other Players Also Ending Their Years Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The WTA requires for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do all four major championships.

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

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on players to be better aligned in forcing change.