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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her tennis season early, describing the intense calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

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

Her performance suffered with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

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

She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she continued.

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an single person."

"Should this label me as weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

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

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

Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons ahead of time in the past few weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an ongoing back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tennis calendar.

Five players withdrew injured in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek saying the season is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Player Concerns

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in each major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do all four Grand Slams.

Players may miss mandatory events if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.