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World number 19 the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and chose to conclude her competitive year early, describing the intense calendar as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her citizenship from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled with consistency this year, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19 wins and 21 losses.

The athlete linked the mental strain from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her parent for several years.

She wrote in a detailed post: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, honestly speaking, my on-court showings show that."

"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am in the same boat as others," she added.

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

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

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

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

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Seasons Prematurely

Former top-five players Svitolina and Paula Badosa have also ended their seasons ahead of time in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have also spoken about the impact of the tour schedule.

Five players retired due to injury in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

Tour Regulations and Athlete Issues

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

The bulk of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four major championships.

Competitors can skip mandatory events if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any rankings points or prize money if they do not play.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.