Behind the Baseline: Tennis Pros Federico Gómez and Andrey Rublev Break Silence on Mental Health Struggles

Federico Gómez Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles in Professional Tennis
While the life of a professional tennis player often appears glamorous, filled with travel, trophies, and global recognition, the reality behind the scenes is far more grueling. The relentless schedule, pressure to perform, and constant travel can take an enormous toll on an athlete’s mental health. Recent revelations from tennis stars like Naomi Osaka and Andrey Rublev have highlighted the hidden struggles of mental well-being in professional sports, and now, Federico Gómez has stepped forward with his own deeply personal story.

Gómez’s Emotional Revelation: The Dark Side of Success

Currently ranked No. 135 in the ATP rankings, Federico Gómez stunned fans and the tennis community with an emotional and candid social media post detailing his ongoing battle with mental health. The Argentine player disclosed that he has been wrestling with suicidal thoughts and has considered quitting tennis altogether.

“The last six months have been the most challenging in my life as a human being. I’ve been battling thoughts of quitting tennis, questioning the worth of it all, and even harboring repeated suicidal thoughts,” Gómez wrote.

Despite achieving a career-best season in 2024, which included winning three ATP Challenger titles in Milan, Trieste, and Guayaquil, Gómez admitted that his personal struggles had overshadowed his professional success.

“It may surprise many, but 2024 was the best year of my tennis career and simultaneously the worst year personally. This recent period has been no different,” he confessed.

His words resonate with many athletes who, despite public victories and achievements, suffer in private isolation. The stark contrast between professional triumphs and personal hardships is an unfortunate reality for numerous players on tour.

Andrey Rublev: A Similar Struggle in the ATP Tour

Gómez’s revelation comes just weeks after Andrey Rublev also opened up about his struggles with mental health.

Rublev, who recently secured his first ATP title of 2025 at the Qatar Open, has long been vocal about his battles with depression, anxiety, and feelings of purposelessness. Despite achieving major milestones—such as his Masters 1000 victory in Madrid last year—he described feeling trapped in a cycle of despair.

In an attempt to cope with his mental health challenges, Rublev turned to antidepressants. However, he later found solace in a conversation with former World No. 1 Marat Safin, which helped him shift his mindset and take the first steps toward stability.

“I was completely lost. I felt like I had no purpose. Tennis didn’t bring me the joy I expected,” Rublev admitted.

While he acknowledges that his mental health journey is ongoing, the first step—seeking help and speaking out—has been crucial to his healing process.

The Growing Awareness Around Mental Health in Tennis

The mental toll of professional tennis is often overlooked, as fans and media tend to focus on tournament results and rankings rather than the emotional burden players endure. However, as more athletes speak out about their struggles, the stigma around mental health in sports is slowly being dismantled.

In recent years, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, and Bianca Andreescu have also shared their experiences, advocating for mental health awareness in professional tennis. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, took multiple breaks from the sport to prioritize her mental well-being, while Kyrgios has openly discussed his battles with depression and self-harm.

These conversations are vital in changing the narrative—athletes are not just machines built to win, but human beings who face the same emotional challenges as anyone else.

A Beacon of Hope for Other Players

By speaking out, Gómez and Rublev are doing more than sharing their personal battles—they are creating a support system for other players who might be struggling in silence. Their courage sends a powerful message: it’s okay to not be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

As the tennis world continues to push for more mental health resources and support systems for players, Gómez’s story serves as a crucial reminder of the unseen battles that exist behind the bright lights of professional tennis.

Behind the Baseline: Tennis Pros Federico Gómez and Andrey Rublev Break Silence on Mental Health Struggles