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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the intense schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

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

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

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which included not seeing her father for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

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

"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 fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"It's time I heeded my own needs for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

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

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

A quintet of competitors retired due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Athlete Concerns

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 women's and men's circuits last a fortnight, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.