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World number 19 the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the demanding schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which included 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 show that."

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

"Combine the mix 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 weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.

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

"It's time I heeded myself for a change."

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Early

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

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns

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

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.

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

Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.