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World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

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

She struggled for form this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at my limit and sadly I am not alone," she added.

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

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

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are injured 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 Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.