Federico Gomez Opens Up About Mental Health Battle and Djokovic's Role in Recovery
In a candid revelation, Argentine tennis professional Federico Gomez has detailed his profound struggle with mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, and credited world-renowned champion Novak Djokovic for providing crucial guidance during his darkest period. Speaking after his commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over India's Manish Sureshkumar in the first round of the Chennai Open Challenger on Tuesday, Gomez shared his emotional journey of rebuilding both his career and his relationship with the sport he loves.
A Year of Turmoil and the Path to Healing
Gomez, currently ranked 196th in the ATP singles chart, described last year as exceptionally difficult. "I am working a lot on myself. Like I said in the post, last year was not easy," he confessed, referring to a social media post from March where he first publicly addressed his mental health challenges. The 29-year-old emphasized that the support from Novak Djokovic has been instrumental in his recovery process. "Novak has been helping me a lot, and we have shared many practice sessions together. I am happy with the way I managed to get through that phase and I'm feeling good right now," Gomez stated with evident relief.
Djokovic's Personal Insights and Empowering Advice
The mentorship from the 24-time Grand Slam champion went beyond technical tennis advice. Gomez revealed that Djokovic shared personal stories from his own background, offering perspective on overcoming adversity. "Djokovic kind of told me about his background, maybe not a lot of people know. Everything that he went through and how he managed it," Gomez explained. The key takeaway from their conversations was a powerful message of self-reliance. "One thing he consistently told me was to find my own way. Obviously, a lot of people will suggest do this or do that or see this person or see that person. But you kind of know what is helping you and what works best for you. I think that really helped me focus on myself, understand what truly helps me, and stick to that," Gomez elaborated, highlighting how this advice fostered his renewed confidence and belief.
Career Milestones Amid Personal Struggles
Despite the mental health hurdles, 2023 marked significant professional breakthroughs for Gomez. He made his Grand Slam main draw debut, reaching the second round of the French Open as a lucky loser and competing in the first round of the US Open. These achievements were not just athletic milestones but also provided financial stability. "Financially, it (playing in Grand Slams) helped me fund the entire year. At the same time, it allowed me to understand where my level is and what I can build on. I am working hard to raise my level and become more consistent week in and week out," he noted, underscoring the dual benefits of his on-court success.
From Coaching to Full-Time Professional: A Grueling Journey
Gomez's path to the professional circuit has been fraught with financial and personal challenges. Prior to his mental health struggles, he balanced playing tennis with coaching duties at the Cannas Tennis Academy in Miami, an institution run by former Argentine pro Guillermo Canas. This dual role was necessary to stay financially afloat. After three arduous years of coaching, Gomez finally transitioned to a full-time professional tennis career in October 2022, a move that allowed him to fully dedicate himself to his passion.
A Symbolic Triumph: The Davis Cup Call-Up
A pivotal moment in Gomez's resurgence came with his recent selection to represent Argentina in the Davis Cup. "Being called up to play the Davis Cup (last week) and represent my country for the first time was something that really helped me," he expressed with pride. This national team debut served as a powerful affirmation of his recovery and a testament to his perseverance through immense personal trials.
Federico Gomez's story is a compelling narrative of resilience, highlighting the often-overlooked mental health challenges in professional sports and the transformative impact of mentorship from icons like Novak Djokovic.
