🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old changed her citizenship from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, following voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

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

The athlete linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which included not seeing her father for four years.

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

"I am at my limit and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

"If this makes me weak, then so be it, I am not strong enough," she stated.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

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

Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely

Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also concluded their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

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

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 Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

WTA Regulations and Player Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour run for two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.

Players can skip mandatory events if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in forcing change.