Novak Djokovic has expressed support for Argentine player Federico Gomez, who recently revealed his struggles with suicidal thoughts. Gomez, ranked World No. 135, shared his mental health challenges on social media. In response, Djokovic and other tennis figures extended their solidarity, emphasizing the importance of discussing mental health issues in sports.
Novak Djokovic has publicly expressed his support for Argentine tennis player Federico Gomez, who recently disclosed that he has been experiencing suicidal thoughts. The 24-time Grand Slam champion demonstrated his solidarity through an Instagram post, conveying a heartfelt message of encouragement: “Strength friend. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”
Federico Gomez, currently ranked World No. 135, had achieved a significant milestone by winning his first title on the ATP Challenger Tour in 2024. Despite this achievement, the 28-year-old revealed that he had endured mental health challenges, including thoughts of quitting tennis and feelings of hopelessness. He candidly mentioned on social media, “Living with thoughts of quitting tennis completely, of really questioning whether all of this is really worth it and even on repeated occasions suicidal thoughts of not wanting to live anymore…”
In his emotional message, Gomez elaborated on his struggles, stating that it was difficult to articulate his feelings. He noted, “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.” Gomez shared his experiences not for recognition, but to encourage others to speak about their challenges.
Moreover, he aimed to reclaim his joy and well-being, stating, “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.'” Other prominent figures in the tennis community such as Boris Becker and Paula Badosa have also voiced their support for him during this difficult period.
In conclusion, Novak Djokovic’s support for Federico Gomez highlights the importance of mental health awareness within the sports community. Gomez’s candid acknowledgment of his struggles serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges athletes face, emphasizing the need for open dialogue about mental well-being. With the encouragement of his peers, Gomez seeks to reclaim joy and motivate others to confront their own challenges.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
