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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina announced she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the grueling calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

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

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her parent for several 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 reflect that."

"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

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

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

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

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA requires for elite athletes to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.

Players can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.