Emil Ruusuvuori Dives Deep Into His Mental Health Struggles, Temporary Exit From ATP Tour
Finnish professional tennis player, Ruusuvuori, discloses episodes of anxiety attacks - Finnish tennis pro Ruusuvuori discloses bouts of panic attacks
Hey there! Let's chat about Emil Ruusuvuori, the Finnish tennis giant, who's been quiet on the ATP Tour lately. This 26-year-old pro has spilled some beans about his mental health journey, revealing unsavory episodes with panic attacks and other mental turmoil that's been weighing him down for a year now.
Keeping it real, he's been absent from the court for quite a while. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he divulged the gritty truth. He's been wrestling with recurring and intensifying panic attacks, and it wasn't just the tennis court that was a battleground—he experienced these attacks during matches too, like at Wimbledon in 2024 and more recently in South Korea.
That's not all! He resolutely stayed away from tennis for a good four and a half months, and he couldn't even muster the courage to step onto the court. Emphatically urging everyone to prioritize mental well-being, he pensively noted, "I didn't touch a tennis racket - I just couldn't go out on the court."
Ruusuvuori isn't the only one grappling with mental health issues in the tennis world. Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka from Japan has bravely opened up about her battles with depression and anxiety, taking a lengthy break to look after her mental health. The Osaka and Ruusuvuori stories demonstrate that mental health needs to take center stage in sports, especially under high-pressure environments.
Ruusuvuori was once placing Finland on the global tennis map. Throughout his career, he's defeated top-notch players like Italian Jannik Sinner, German powerhouse Alexander Zverev, and Greek stalwart Stefanos Tsitsipas at Wimbledon in 2024. However, he's currently ranked No. 235 in the world. His last match on the ATP Tour was in July 2024 in Washington. Since February, he's been competing again, but only in lower-level Challenger and ITF events.
By the way, did you know that panic attacks are episodes of intense fear or discomfort that develop suddenly, reaching a peak within minutes? Sometimes, these can be tricky to distinguish from a heart attack, but don't worry too much, they're treatable and manageable if you reach out for help.
(Sources: 1, 2, 4)
- Amidst his battle with panic attacks, Emil Ruusuvuori took a temporary leave from the ATP Tour, echoing the Mental health struggles faced by Naomi Osaka in the tennis world.
- The European Parliament and the Council have also adopted a resolution on the European Union's role in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the need to prioritize mental health even under high-pressure environments such as sports.
- In Ruusuvuori's absence from the ATP Tour, he focused on his health-and-wellness, particularly his mental health, taking a much-needed break to cope with his anxiety.
- Despite being sidelined from the ATP Tour for several months, Ruusuvuori continues to compete in lower-level sports events, such as tennis, serving as a reminder that science and mental health should never be overlooked.
- While participating in sports like tennis can lead to intense competition and pressure, it's crucial to remember that panic attacks can arise and should be addressed promptly for a swift recovery, supporting overall mental well-being.
