Competing on the main stage of tennis requires a player to be fully fit and at the peak of their physical performance. From Novak Djokovic’s gluten-free diet to Serena Williams gymnastic-inspired fitness routine, players at the top of their game work hard to reach the top of the sport. Despite these mammoth efforts, players can still be at their physical peak and fail to succeed if they don’t look after another aspect: their mental health.
During Great Britain’s Davis Cup triumph against Australia, Andy Murray was one player who talked openly about how emotionally testing matches can be for players. Following his five set doubles victory with his brother Jamie, Murray said that there isn’t enough talk about how tennis can be testing for a player’s mental state.
“Physically, it’s tough, but also emotionally. Matches like these are draining as well”. Murray said.
“I don’t think enough is made of this. They are very, very tough matches to play with lots of ups and downs”. He added.
This isn’t the first time that Murray has spoken about this subject. During his time with Ivan Lendl, the two-time Grand slam champion openly admitted that he found it hard to open up about his feeling in a ‘macho’ environment. Switching from Lendl to Amelie Mauresmo, Murray said he feels like he can open up more to a female coach.
“When you get five or six men sitting at a table in a competitive environment, it’s not pleasant. I’ve found it difficult to open up sometimes as you feel judged or that it’s seen as a sign of weakness”. Murray admitted.
The emotionally demanding aspect of the sport has exposed the dark side at the top of the game for players. Depression on the WTA and ATP tour has been a troubling issue over the years, but is rarely featured in the media limelight. Pat Cash, Heather Watson and Victoria Azarenka have publicly talked about their experiences with depression. Former world No.38 Rebecca Marino walked away from the sport in 2013 due to depression at the age of 23.
Depression isn’t the only mental illness affecting players, Mardy Fish have talked extensively about his experience with an anxiety disorder. The 33-year-old missed almost two years of the tour due to his personal struggles. At his lowest, Fish couldn’t step onto a court. Fortunately Fish returned to action during the US hard-court series to finish his career on his own terms.
Mental health issues are commonly known as ‘the invisible illness’ as it can’t be seen. It is a troubling problem in tennis that is rarely exposed unless a high profile player reveals their struggle. It is troubling issues on both tours, but more so for the ATP Tour. The reason as to why is due to player’s reluctance to speak about it. Murray openly admitted that he found it hard to open up in a macho environment and he isn’t the only player. The only difference is that Murray feels comfortable enough to discuss these issues whilst other players remain silent. The hope is that players on the tour will take into account these wise words once said by the British player.
‘You have to be open and honest about your thought and the feelings you have. If you don’t, and you lie about things to make yourself look stronger and tougher, it’s pointless.’
