Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional stated she is at her "breaking point" and chose to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, characterizing the demanding schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."
The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, following voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.
Her performance suffered for form this year, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a record of 19-21.
The athlete attributed the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for four years.
She expressed in a detailed post: "I've been not okay for quite a while and, honestly speaking, my results and performances show that."
"I have reached my limit and unfortunately I am not alone," she added.
"Combine the mix the emotional and mental stress related to my citizenship change and I can only handle so much I can manage and endure as an individual woman."
"Should this label me as fragile, then so be it, I'm weak," she stated.
"Nonetheless, I know I am resilient and will grow stronger by being away and recharging."
"It's time I listened to my own needs for once."
Other Players Similarly Ending Their Years Prematurely
Ex-elite competitors Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa similarly ended their campaigns ahead of time in the past few weeks.
Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not been feeling her usual self", while Badosa has spoken about the mental toll of an ongoing spinal issue.
Additional athletes have voiced concerns about the effect of the tour schedule.
Five players withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Iga Swiatek saying the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."
Tour Requirements and Athlete Issues
The WTA requires for top players to compete in every major tournament, 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments.
The majority of premier tournaments on the women's and men's circuits last two weeks, as do all four Grand Slams.
Players may miss required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will receive no rankings points or financial rewards if they do not play.
Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has reduced his tournament appearances in recent years to protect his body, has called on players to be better aligned in advocating for reforms.
