🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding schedule as "excessive, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from Russia to Australia in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her nation's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, not managing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally 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 included not seeing her parent for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I have been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

"I have reached breaking point and sadly I am not alone," she continued.

"Combine the situation the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

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

"However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Also Ending Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors withdrew injured in two tournaments in China last week, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Concerns

The WTA requires for elite athletes to compete in every major tournament, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do each of the major championships.

Competitors can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

Former world number one Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.