🔗 Share this article

Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her tennis season early, describing the intense schedule as "too much, mentally and emotionally."

The 28-year-old athlete switched her nationality from the Russian Federation to Australia in the month of March, following public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and concluding with a record of 19-21.

The athlete attributed the mental strain from her change of citizenship as a major contributor to her difficulties, which involve not visiting with her parent for several years.

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

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

"Add in the mix the emotional and mental stress associated with my nationality switch and there is only so much I can manage and endure as an single person."

"Should this label me as fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.

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

"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change."

Other Players Similarly Halting Seasons Early

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their campaigns ahead of time in recent weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina stated she had "not felt her usual self", while Badosa has discussed the mental toll of an persistent spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors retired injured in two tournaments in the Chinese tournaments recently, with multiple major winner Swiatek saying the competitive year is "too long and intense."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The bulk of 1000 events on the women's and men's circuits run for a fortnight, as do each of the major championships.

Players may miss mandatory events 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 Novak Djokovic, who has reduced his schedule in lately to preserve his health, has urged fellow professionals to be more united in forcing change.