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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, characterizing the intense calendar as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress 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 detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at my limit and unfortunately 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."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

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

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

Other Players Also Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

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

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

Tour Requirements and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to participate in each major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

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

Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.