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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "limit" and has decided to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the intense calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her nationality from Russia to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

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

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not visiting with her parent for four years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.

"Combine the situation the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

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

"However, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

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

Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Player Issues

The WTA requires for elite athletes to participate in each major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Players can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.