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World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, labeling the demanding schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

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

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

"I am at my limit and sadly I am not alone," she added.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"It's time I heeded myself for once."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa have also ended their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

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

Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Athlete 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 bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.