World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, describing the intense calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered for form this year, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.
The athlete linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her challenges, which included 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 reflect that."
"I have reached my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.
"Add in the mix the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."
"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."
"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."
Other Players Also Halting Seasons Prematurely
Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian star stated she had "not been feeling like myself", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.
Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.
Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns
The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.
The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.
Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they opt out.
Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
