“Living with thoughts of leaving tennis completely, of really questioning if all this is really worth it and even on several occasions suicidal thoughts of not wanting to live anymore and leave this world, which is very difficult for me to express.” He continued: “I wanted you to know so you can understand actions or behaviours that I possibly had in this last time and this seeks to explain a little of that. It is very hard for me to write all this without crying my eyes out, but I think it is the best decision I could have made at this time to get rid of this heavy weight that I feel on me and that eats my head 24/7.”
The Argentine, 28, is currently ranked 135th in the world and is a three-time winner on the ATP Challenger Tour. He played in the Brisbane International ATP 250 event in January before entering the qualifying rounds at the Australian Open earlier this year. And while his professional career is starting to gather some momentum, his mental health has taken a hit.
Gomez insisted he was not looking to make a name for himself by opening up about his struggles, but to feel better within himself and simultaneously encourage others to speak up about their own troubles.
He added: “I will try to get back that natural joy that characterised me and mainly to feel good about myself knowing that ‘it’s okay not to be okay’.
“As I said before, it is a huge pain for me to open up in this way but I felt the need to tell you a little bit about my situation. I am still searching for my best self. I will work to find that emotional wellbeing that I once felt.”
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Gomez’s honest admission reflects on an issue that has affected tennis players, particularly in the men’s game. In 2019, Nick Kyrgios said he had considered suicide and spent time receiving psychiatric help after playing at Wimbledon.
Australian women’s star Destanee Aiava has also addressed experiencing suicidal tendencies before she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
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