🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "breaking point" and has decided to end her competitive year early, describing the demanding schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict in the Ukrainian region.

Her performance suffered with consistency throughout the season, not managing to win a tournament and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not seeing her father for several years.

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

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

"Add in the situation the psychological pressure associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can deal with and take as an individual woman."

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

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

"It's time I listened to myself for a change."

Fellow Athletes Similarly Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their campaigns early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star stated she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

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

A quintet of competitors retired injured in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Requirements and Player Concerns

The WTA requires for top players to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

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

Players may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have private matters, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has urged fellow professionals to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.