In a revealing podcast interview with Hanna Tikander, Finnish tennis player Emil Ruusuvuori opens up about his mental health struggles, particularly highlighting his battle with panic attacks that began four years ago in Miami. He discusses the distressing experience of wishing for an injury to escape the pressures of competition, which escalated as he began to experience daily panic attacks. Despite achieving a career-high ATP ranking of 37 in April 2023, Ruusuvuori faced significant mental challenges that affected his performance and well-being.

Ruusuvuori shares that following his panic attacks, he ultimately decided to take a break from tennis, abstaining from the sport for four and a half months to focus on his mental health. He reflects on the severity of his condition, stating that calming techniques did not alleviate his mental state, which continued to deteriorate. The impact of these episodes led him to confront dark thoughts, including existential questions about his own life, which he describes as the worst phase of his struggle.

This candid revelation not only sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by athletes but also emphasizes the importance of taking a step back to prioritize well-being over competitive success. Ruusuvuori's story may resonate with many, encouraging conversations around mental health in sports and the necessity for support systems for athletes dealing with similar issues.