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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 ahead of schedule, describing the grueling schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

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

She struggled with consistency throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete linked the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my on-court showings reflect that."

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

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

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

Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed 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 recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for top players to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.