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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, characterizing the grueling calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

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

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

The athlete linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

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

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for once."

Other Players Similarly Ending Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns early in the past few weeks.

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

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in two tournaments in China recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Requirements and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip 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.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in recent years to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.