Tennis Stars Emil Ruusuvuori and Naomi Osaka Open Up About Mental Struggles
Ruusuvuori, Finnish ATP pro, discloses episodes of panic attacks. - Finnish Tennis Player Ruusuvuori Discloses Bouts of Panic Attacks
Emil Ruusuvuori, the Finnish tennis whiz, has boldly revealed his battle with persistent panic attacks. The 26-year-old, once a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour, confessed to taking a lengthy break due to escalating anxiety and mental strain.
"For nearly five months, I hardly touched a tennis racket. I just couldn't step onto the court again," he bravely shared on Instagram. It's high time we acknowledge the importance of mental well-being.
A Widespread Issue in the Tennis World
Ruusuvuori's confession echoes the sentiments that have been resonating in the tennis community and beyond for quite some time. Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, a fellow athlete from Japan, has also been vocal about her battles with depression and anxiety.
Once a Rising Star
Remember when Ruusuvuori made headlines by defeating tennis giants like Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, even top-10 player Stefanos Tsitsipas at Wimbledon 2024? The right-hander was once lauded as Finland's best tennis player.
These days, he coasts at No. 235 in the men's world rankings. His last appearance on the ATP Tour was in July 2024 in Washington. Since February 2025, he has been making a tentative comeback, but so far, only in lower-level Challenger and ITF tournaments.
The Grasp of Panic Attacks
Panic attacks—those debilitating episodes marked by sudden feelings of terror, intense discomfort, and fear—have been a thorn in Ruusuvuori's side. They started around four years ago but intensified significantly last year, taking a toll both on and off the court. His attacks reached a crescendo during high-pressure matches, like the third round against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at Wimbledon 2024, and during Challenger events in South Korea.
Paving the way for candid conversation on Mental Health
Ruusuvuori's courageous disclosure has sparked crucial discussions around mental health in professional tennis. His return to competition, despite his ongoing anxiety struggles, serves as a beacon of resilience for others facing similar challenges.
Deeper Insights
While resources don't provide in-depth details about Naomi Osaka's panic attacks, her public withdrawals from major tournaments due to mental health reasons have been well-documented. Osaka has made a significant impact on the WTA Tour by shedding light on athlete mental health.
Looking Forward
As mental health issues in the tennis world continue to rise, conversations like Ruusuvuori's are a vital step towards eradicating stigma and fostering a more supportive sporting environment. These open discussions can empower athletes to tackle their challenges with greater confidence and promote a newfound understanding of the importance of emotional health in competitive sports.
Keywords:
- Emil Ruusuvuori
- ATP Tour
- panic attacks
- Finland
- Naomi Osaka
- Helsinki
(Enrichment Data Included: 15%)
The European Parliament and the Council could adopt a resolution extending support to athletes, such as Emil Ruusuvuori, in their fight against mental health issues. In light of the advancements in science and health-and-wellness, research could be funded to develop effective strategies for managing panic attacks in tennis players. Additionally, the sport of tennis, renowned for its competitive nature, could benefit from incorporating programs that focus on mental health, potentially aiding athletes like Naomi Osaka in their journey towards peace and sporting success.
