Federico Agustin Gomez, currently ranked world No. 135 in tennis, has bravely shared his experiences with mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts. In a candid interview, Gomez revealed the challenges he has faced both on and off the court, shedding light on the often-overlooked mental health issues that athletes encounter.
Gomez spoke about the immense pressure to perform at a high level and the toll it has taken on his mental well-being. He admitted to feeling overwhelmed by expectations and the constant need to prove himself. These pressures led to periods of deep depression and thoughts of ending his life.
Despite these struggles, Gomez emphasized the importance of seeking help and finding support. He credited his family, friends, and mental health professionals for helping him navigate through these difficult times. Gomez’s openness about his mental health journey aims to raise awareness and encourage others facing similar challenges to seek assistance.
The tennis community has shown immense support for Gomez, applauding his courage in speaking out. His story serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Gomez’s journey highlights the need for greater mental health resources and support systems for athletes. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental health and inspire others to prioritize their well-being.
This was his message (translated from Instagram): “Dear tennis… The sport that has given me everything and at the same time has taken away so many other things from me. I’m sorry I’ve hit rock bottom, but in turn I want to grab myself from this situation to grab momentum and push myself up to come back to the surface. Couldn’t talk to anyone so I searched for the best option in my opinion. This may come as a surprise to many but 2024 was undoubtedly the best year of my tennis career, but in turn, the worst year personally, and this last time was no exception. The last 6 months have been some of the hardest I’ve ever had to live as a human being.
Living with thoughts of leaving tennis completely, of really questioning myself if all this is really worth it and even repeatedly suicidal thoughts of not wanting to live anymore and leave this world, which make me very difficult to express but I wanted you to know who can understand actions or behaviors that I possibly had lately and this seeks to explain that a bit. It’s really hard for me to write all this without crying to more than I can’t, but I think it’s the best decision I could have made right now to take off this huge weight that I sit on and it eats my head 24/7.
I don’t write all this looking for some minute of fame, but I do it so you know and understand that we all have internal struggles that we are living despite not being shown or hidden in the day to day. Hopefully after opening up a bit (something that costs me so much) I can feel a bit better about myself and be able to live a bit more peacefully doing what I love which is playing tennis.
I’m thankful to have the people around me who try to get the best out of me even though this is a very difficult task. I will try to regain that natural joy that characterized me and mainly feel good about myself again knowing that “its okay not to be okay”.
As I said before, it hurts me to open up like this but I felt the need to tell you a little bit about my situation. I’m still looking for the best version of me. I will work towards that emotional wellness I once felt.
Atte, The Fat Gomez.”
Federico Agustin Gomez in 2025
Now the world no.135, Federico played his last match on the 22nd of February when he was overcome by world no.83 Learner Tien 6-1 6-3 in the qualifications in Acapulco (draw).
This year Agustin Gomez has achieved a composed 2-6 record.
Agustin Gomez is expected to play next in Phoenix Challenger (Phoenix Challenger). He is currently an alternate. The main draw will start on the 1st of January.