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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress 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 detailed post: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

"I am at breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure 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 weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.

"However, I believe I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I listened to myself for once."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

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

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to compete in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

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

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.