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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, labeling the intense schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

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

The athlete linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

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

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"If this makes me fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

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

Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory 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 run for two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be more united in advocating for reforms.