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World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, describing the intense calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor 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 a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.

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

"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"However, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"It's time I listened to myself for once."

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns ahead of time 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.

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

Five players withdrew injured in two tournaments in China recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to participate in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.