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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the demanding calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form this year, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her parent for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

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

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

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

"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Other Players Also Halting Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in the past few 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 also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Player Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to participate in each major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.

Players can skip required tournaments 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 Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.