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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her tennis season early, describing the intense calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

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

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch 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 on-court showings reflect that."

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

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

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

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

"The moment has come I listened to my own needs for a change."

Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the effect of the tour schedule.

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to participate in each major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

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