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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season early, describing the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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

The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."

"I have reached my limit 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 weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.

"However, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and recharging."

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

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Athlete Issues

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

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

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in forcing change.