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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, characterizing the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

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

"However, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"It's time I listened to my own needs for once."

Fellow Athletes Also Halting Seasons Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

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

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in China last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues

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

The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.