A Top 150 Player Opens Up About Mental Struggles Linked to Tennis
Mental health is a topic that is increasingly discussed in the world of professional tennis, thanks in part to Naomi Osaka and Andrey Rublev.
Federico Agustin Gomez, ranked 135th in the world, has also shared his own situation.
Despite not being in a catastrophic situation regarding his tennis career, the Argentine player admitted to questioning whether it was all worth it.
"The sport that has given me everything and, at the same time, has taken away so much from me.
I’m sorry to have hit rock bottom, but at the same time, I want to hold on to this situation to gain momentum and rise back to the surface.
I couldn’t talk to anyone about it, so I sought what I believe is the best option.
This might surprise many people, but 2024 has undoubtedly been the best year of my tennis career, yet at the same time, the worst year personally, and this recent period has been no exception.
The last six months have been among the hardest I’ve ever experienced as a human being.
I’ve been living with thoughts of quitting tennis altogether, truly wondering if all of this is worth it, and even, on multiple occasions, suicidal thoughts of not wanting to live anymore and leaving this world, which are very difficult for me to express.
It’s hard for me to write all of this without breaking down in tears, but I believe this is the best decision I could make right now to rid myself of this enormous weight I feel above me, gnawing at my mind 24/7.
I’m not writing all of this for a moment of glory, but rather so that you know and understand that we all have internal struggles, even if they’re not shown or hidden in our daily lives.
I hope that after opening up a little (something that is so difficult for me), I can feel a bit better in my own skin and live a little more peacefully while doing what I love, which is playing tennis.
I’m grateful to have people around me who try to bring out the best in me, even if it’s a very challenging task.
As I’ve said before, it pains me deeply to open up like this, but I felt the need to share a bit about my situation with you.
I’m still searching for my best version. I will work to regain the emotional well-being I once felt."
