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World number 19 the tennis professional has declared 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 nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency this year, not managing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.

The athlete linked the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for four years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

"I have reached breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

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

"However, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

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

Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

Other players have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew injured in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Player Concerns

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has made it mandatory for elite athletes to participate in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

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

Players can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in forcing change.