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World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year ahead of schedule, describing the grueling calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete changed her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

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

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I have been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings reflect that."

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

"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."

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

"Nonetheless, I believe I am strong and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."

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

Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an ongoing back problem.

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

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

Tour Regulations and Athlete Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, ten premier events and six secondary competitions.

The majority of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in recent years to preserve his health, has called on players to be more united in advocating for reforms.