The 2024 US Open is not just an arena for outstanding tennis. Players are becoming more vocal about mental health as they navigate the year’s final Grand Slam. Male and female players from countries around the world share their thoughts. Hopefully, the ATP and WTA are listening.
Stefanos Tsitsipas Feels ‘Long-Term Burnout’
Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas lost in the first round of the US Open. He described himself as being burned out from the sport. Tsitsipas’ year has been especially tumultuous. He fired his dad as his coach recently. His girlfriend Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa sent a special shoutout to him after her second-round win. She admitted he was going through tough times. The two will take the court to play mixed doubles for the first time at this year’s US Open.
Caroline Garcia’s Internet Threats
French tennis player Caroline Garcia showed her vulnerability. Garcia shared the social media threats she received after losing her US Open first-round match. Those messages were vile, wishing ill will upon Garcia and her family because she lost the match. She wanted to create awareness that this is hurtful behavior for athletes trying their best day after day.
Garcia said in part: “We are humans. And sometimes, when we receive this messages we are already emotionally destroyed after a tough loss.” She added: “Many before me have raised the subject. And still, no progress has been made.”
Frances Tiafoe Spoke About Garcia’s Situation
American Frances Tiafoe empathized with Garcia. He explained that he has received similar messages and learned to ignore them. Tiafoe said: “The biggest thing I would tell players, other colleagues, men, women… Don’t hang your head so low on these things… You’re the important person.” He added: “Don’t let your mood get even worse because of people you don’t know & don’t care about their opinions that put you in the gutter. It’s already hard enough.”
Iga Swiatek Has Been Talking About This For Weeks
Players unable to rest and recharge away from the tennis court are especially prone to stress and mental health issues. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek spoke of the long tennis season before the US Open. Swiatek was practically begging the tennis authorities to reexamine the 11-month schedule. The frequent travel and mandatory tournaments are exhausting. She argued that tennis can offer a quality product if it scales back the schedule.
She offered another point about time away from the court. Swiatek said it is impossible to practice and add new skills during the season because it is jam-packed. Tennis legend Chris Evert agreed with Swiatek that the season should be altered to protect the players’ mental, physical, and emotional health.
An Olympic Year Amplifies Everything
Stress and exhaustion among tennis players are more prevalent in an Olympic year. The Paris Olympics fell between Wimbledon and the US Open making it a chaotic time for training and preparation. The ATP and WTA do not award ranking points based on Olympic participation. Unlike the WNBA which shuts down its season during the Olympics, tennis held the usual summer schedule of tournaments during the Olympics.
Many top players opted out of the Olympics for these reasons. They chose to be rested for the US Open instead of playing in the Paris Olympics. It is worth noting that everyone involved in this discussion except for Tiafoe played in the Paris Olympics.
Mental health is an issue that Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova were among the first to champion in the tennis world. Years ago, awareness was important. Now it is time to find solutions. The solutions must help the players before they leave the sport prematurely.
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