Matteo Berrettini has been sidelined for most of this season due to injuries. He has only played eighteen matches so far, losing eight of them. Berrettini was ranked No. 16 at the start of this season but has now dropped to No. 38. He will begin the hardcourt series at the Canadian Open. Berrettini played the event for the first time in 2022 while losing in the opening match to Pablo Carreno Busta.
Berrettini has opened up about his hardships and mental exhaustion on tour. The Italian said, “Deep down, even when I feel exhausted, this [competing on the court] is one of the things that makes me alive. Not being able to do so in important appointments made me know the darkness. And the darkness seems to have no end; it seems to swallow you because instead of standing still and breathing, you dig yourself an abyss.” Berrettini said his passion for the game helped him overcome the mental block.
Matteo Berrettini fell into depression:
“I experienced too many mental & physical tears.. the darkness seems to have no end, it swallows you. Instead of standing still & catching your breath, you dig yourself an abyss… I tried to find myself. The dark gave me space to do it” pic.twitter.com/7JeJwA6mSF
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 6, 2023
Fans came together to support the Italian star:
Mental health issues don’t get enough attention. We love you Matteo stay strong. Things can change someday
— Erik Arnold (@ErikArn16091681) August 7, 2023
One day at a time, blessings Matteo ❤️
— jordana (@jordanadsanchez) August 6, 2023
Fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios also showed his concern and support for Matteo Berrettini-
Sorry to hear big fella! Glad you got out of it though! Here if you need anything. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/27fSHIOBAh
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 6, 2023
Berrettini also suffered an oblique muscle injury, putting him out for two months. He got injured at Monte Carlo in April and had to issue a walkover in the fourth round against Holger Rune. The 27-year-old returned to Stuttgart in June but was defeated in the opening match.
Mental health raising concerns on tour for tennis stars
The top athletes worldwide are under constant pressure to perform better. The desire to win at any cost comes at a price. A defeat can impact their mental health, and players are slowly opening up. Physical injuries are always focused on and heal over time, but that’s not the process for mental health. Over the past few years, a few players have discussed the importance of keeping the mind healthy.
Mardy Fish discussed having anxiety on tour, which made him quit professional tennis. The American went through a tough patch in the final stages of his career. Simona Halep suffered a panic attack at last year’s French Open and later explained why she lost control of the match. Naomi Osaka has spoken about how it has affected her life. The former world No.1 withdrew from the 2021 French Open and boycotted press conferences citing that it was to protect her mental health.
Nick Kyrgios talked about how he struggled in the initial phases of his career. The Australian now has a limited tour schedule and intends to spend enough time at home. Paula Badosa shared how expectations became a burden on her shoulders. She did not overcome depression until she started talking about it. Coco Gauff entered the tour when she was only fourteen, and the atmosphere was too much to handle. She took some time to get used to the conditions.
So, irrespective of their status, tennis players deal with mental health difficulties too. However, breaking the stigma, they seek help, building resilience and a healthy approach to their careers and sports, eventually improving their overall well-being.