In the high-octane world of professional tennis, the limelight often shines brightest on triumphs, titles, and intense rivalries. However, beyond the glitz and glamour of the courts, a growing concern is being voiced by some of the sport’s top athletes. Iga Świątek, the rising Polish star and current face of women’s tennis, alongside several other prominent players, has begun to speak out about a pressing issue—the disregard for their mental and physical well-being in the professional tennis circuit. While victories are celebrated, and losses are dissected, the players’ silent struggles with mental and physical health often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of success.
Świątek, who has quickly ascended the ranks of tennis with her powerful play and strategic prowess, has not been immune to the pressures that come with being in the spotlight. She, like many of her peers, has faced the daunting challenges of maintaining peak physical condition while also managing the immense mental stress that comes with professional competition. The Polish star has openly discussed the burden of expectations and the constant pressure to perform, highlighting a broader issue within the sport—one where athletes’ voices about their own well-being are frequently overlooked.
One of the key aspects that Świątek and other players have emphasized is the lack of proper mental health support within the tennis world. Unlike team sports where athletes have close-knit support systems, tennis players often navigate the rigors of the tour alone, accompanied by a coach and perhaps a small team. The isolation can be daunting, especially when faced with the psychological toll of constant travel, jet lag, and the intense scrutiny from media and fans. Świątek has stressed that while physical injuries are treated with utmost care, the same attention is not always given to psychological scars, which can be equally, if not more, debilitating.
Beyond Świątek, several other tennis professionals have raised their voices on the matter. Naomi Osaka, one of the most talented players of her generation, has been candid about her struggles with depression and anxiety. Her decision to withdraw from major tournaments to prioritize her mental health sparked a worldwide conversation about the pressures athletes face. Yet, the response from the tennis establishment has been mixed, oscillating between support and criticism, with some quarters still underestimating the significance of mental health in an athlete’s performance.
The physical toll of tennis is another aspect that is often underestimated. Players are expected to maintain an intense playing schedule that spans nearly the entire calendar year, with little time for rest or recovery. Unlike other sports with clearly defined seasons, tennis players find themselves playing on different surfaces across continents almost back-to-back. The result is a vicious cycle of wear and tear that often leads to injuries and burnout. Players like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have been vocal about the physical demands of the sport, advocating for more sustainable schedules. Świątek, too, has highlighted the need for better management of players’ physical health, pointing out that the grind of the tour can lead to long-term injuries that affect both career longevity and quality of life after retirement.
There is also a cultural aspect to consider. The traditional mindset in tennis, and sports in general, has often been to “tough it out”—to push through pain and mental exhaustion as a show of strength and resilience. This mindset, while revered in the past, is increasingly being challenged by a new generation of athletes who prioritize their overall well-being. Świątek, along with Osaka and others, represents this shift. They are advocating for a more holistic approach to player management—one that recognizes the athlete as a whole person rather than just a performer on the court.
What is striking is the lack of institutional change despite these calls for action. Many players have expressed frustration over the slow response from tennis bodies like the WTA, ATP, and the Grand Slam organizers. While some progress has been made, such as the introduction of mental health resources at tournaments, these measures often feel like band-aid solutions to a deeper, more systemic problem. Świątek has pointed out the need for year-round support, including access to mental health professionals and more say in the structuring of tournament schedules to allow for adequate rest.
The conversation around mental and physical health in tennis is also reflective of broader societal shifts. As mental health awareness grows globally, there is an increasing expectation that sports organizations, including tennis, will adapt and provide better support systems. Fans, too, play a role in this evolution. The way athletes like Świątek are perceived—either as “weak” for speaking out or “brave” for breaking the silence—can influence how these discussions are received and whether meaningful changes are implemented.
The stakes are high, not just for the athletes but for the sport itself. If tennis fails to address these concerns adequately, it risks losing some of its brightest stars prematurely. Players like Świątek are more than willing to give their all on the court, but not at the expense of their mental and physical health. Their openness should not be seen as a sign of vulnerability, but rather as a call to action—a demand for a more compassionate and sustainable approach to professional tennis.
In recent months, Świątek has continued to advocate for a more balanced perspective on success in sports. She has reiterated that winning is important but not at the cost of an athlete’s health and well-being. As more players join her in speaking out, it becomes increasingly clear that the tennis world needs to evolve. The sport must shift from an era of silent suffering to one where players can thrive not just as champions on the court but as healthy, whole individuals off it. The message from Świątek and her peers is clear: it’s time for tennis to listen.
