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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season early, labeling the intense calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

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

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar.

Five players retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues

The WTA requires for top players to participate in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in forcing change.