Novak Djokovic supports Federico Gomez after the Argentine tennis player revealed suicidal thoughts and struggles with mental health. Gomez, ranked World No. 135, shared his challenges on social media to encourage openness about mental health issues. Other tennis figures, including Boris Becker and Paula Badosa, have also expressed their support.
Novak Djokovic has publicly expressed his backing for Argentine tennis player Federico Gomez, who recently disclosed his battle with suicidal thoughts and a loss of will to live. The renowned 24-time Grand Slam champion took to Instagram, posting, “Strength friend. There is always light at the end of the tunnel” to convey his encouragement.
Federico Gomez, at the World No. 135, achieved his first title on the ATP Challenger Tour in 2024 after years of struggling financially and coaching to survive. Despite this success, he revealed on social media his ongoing mental health challenges, admitting to contemplating quitting tennis and facing suicidal ideation, which he found difficult to articulate.
In his candid Instagram post, Gomez shared, “Living with thoughts of quitting tennis completely, of really questioning whether all of this is really worth it… which I find very difficult to express.” He highlighted the emotional burden he faced and how his struggles have impacted his behavior recently.
Gomez clarified that his motivation for sharing these thoughts was not to seek attention but to relieve personal pain and encourage others to speak out about their struggles. He expressed a desire to rediscover his natural joy and emphasized the importance of acknowledging that “it’s okay not to be okay.”
In addition to Djokovic, former tennis champions Boris Becker and Paula Badosa have also shown their support for Gomez during this challenging phase in his life.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s supportive message highlights the importance of mental health awareness in sports. Federico Gomez’s brave admission of his struggles underlines the necessity for open dialogue about mental health issues amongst athletes, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges. The collective support from various tennis figures showcases a growing recognition of mental well-being in the athletic community.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
