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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the intense schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, failing to secure a title and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

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

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

"I have reached my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an single person."

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

"However, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

"It's time I listened to myself for once."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.