The Mental Health of Tennis Players Is No Longer in the Shadows
The sport is very stressful, and many professionals had to often manage their anxiety alone. Now the tours provide help.
In a sport as intense and competitive as tennis, the pressure on athletes can be overwhelming. This has been especially true for Iga Swiatek, who has recently opened up about her severe mental health struggles. Swiatek, a rising star and the 2020 French Open champion, has faced immense stress and anxiety throughout her career, often dealing with these challenges in the shadows.
Swiatek’s struggles are not unique. The world of professional tennis is notoriously stressful, with athletes constantly under the spotlight and pressure to perform at their best. For many years, players had to manage their mental health issues alone, with little to no support. The stigma surrounding mental health in sports often kept athletes from seeking help, leading to prolonged suffering and, in some cases, career-ending consequences.
However, the landscape is changing. Recognizing the toll that the sport can take on its players, both the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) have started providing much-needed mental health support. Sports psychologists are now a regular presence on the tours, helping athletes navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of their careers.
At last year’s WTA Finals, many top singles players spoke openly about receiving counseling for mental health issues. Maria Sakkari, a semifinalist at the French and United States Opens in 2021, shared, “I’ve been working with a psychologist for years. I invested a lot in that. It’s probably the best gift I’ve ever done for myself.”
The ATP has also partnered with Sporting Chance, a British mental health organization, to offer 24/7 access to counselors and therapists. This collaboration aims to make players feel more comfortable discussing their mental health issues, fostering an environment where seeking help is normalized and encouraged.
The WTA has taken a proactive approach by adding four mental health care providers, ensuring that players have access to support at tournaments year-round. These services include strategies for managing the mental and emotional challenges of match play, handling finances, and transitioning to life after tennis.
The major championships are on board as well. For example, the Australian Open offers a range of mental health services, including access to sports psychiatrists and psychologists, health and well-being experts, and quiet rooms where players can relax and focus without distraction.
The increasing openness about mental health struggles among tennis players, including high-profile athletes like Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek, is helping to reduce the stigma and encourage others to seek help. As Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, noted, “I think the world is changing their perception of what mental health is. We have that empathy when we see somebody who is physically hurt. Mental health is something that is invisible. But it is as strong, as powerful, as physical health.”
For Iga Swiatek, the journey to manage her mental health continues. With the support of the tennis community and the growing resources available, she and her fellow athletes are no longer facing these struggles alone. The sport is evolving, recognizing that the well-being of its players is paramount to their success on and off the court.
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