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World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year early, describing the grueling schedule as "too much, psychologically and personally."

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

She struggled 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 challenges, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.

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

"I am at my limit and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure related to my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"Should this label me as weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she stated.

"However, I believe I am strong and will get stronger by being away and recharging."

"It's time I heeded my own needs for a change."

Other Players Also Ending Seasons Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an persistent back problem.

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

Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

Tour Regulations and Player Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to compete in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, 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 Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.