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World number 19 the tennis professional stated she is at her "limit" and chose to end her competitive year early, characterizing the intense schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, not managing to secure a title and finishing with a win-loss tally 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 included not seeing her father for several years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."

"I am at my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," 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 endure as an single person."

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

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

"It's time I listened to myself for once."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Ending Their Years Early

Ex-elite competitors Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons early in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek commenting the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Requirements and Athlete Concerns

The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has called on fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.