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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the demanding calendar as "excessive, 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+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form this year, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not visiting with her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."

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

"Add in 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 fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

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

"It's time I listened to my own needs for once."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

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

Five players retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Players may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

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