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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the demanding schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.

Kasatkina attributed the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

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

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to compete in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of 1000 events 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 receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.