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World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the demanding calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.

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

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

"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.

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

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

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

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

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.

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

A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Requirements and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to compete in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 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 Grand Slams.

Players may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.