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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to conclude her tennis season ahead of schedule, describing the grueling schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, failing to secure a title and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

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

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

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

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I know I am strong and will grow stronger by taking a break and recharging."

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa have also concluded their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.

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

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

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

WTA Regulations and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Players can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.