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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the grueling calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not seeing her father for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

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

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

"If this makes me weak, 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 restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

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

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

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

Five players retired injured in two tournaments in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

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

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.