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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her tennis season early, labeling the grueling schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after voiced concerns 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 major contributor to her challenges, which included not seeing her father for four years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine 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 continued.

"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

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

"The moment has come I listened to myself for once."

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

Five players retired injured in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Requirements and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.