🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional has declared she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the intense calendar as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war 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 attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her parent for four years.

She expressed in a detailed post: "I have been not okay for a long time and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

"I am at my limit and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and take as an single person."

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

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

"It's time I listened to my own needs for once."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling like myself", while the Spanish player has discussed the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players withdrew due to injury in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Athlete Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for elite athletes to participate in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.