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Ranked 19th globally Daria Kasatkina has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the demanding schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

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

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, failing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with 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 my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

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

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in advocating for reforms.