🔗 Share this article

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

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from Russia to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for several years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been not okay for a long time and, truth be told, my results and performances show that."

"I am at breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

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

"However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"It's time I heeded myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Seasons Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not been feeling her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.

Five players retired due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Requirements and Athlete Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to participate in every major tournament, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Players can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one 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.