Sara Sorribes Tormo steps away from tennis to prioritize mental health
Spanish star Sara Sorribes Tormo cites emotional exhaustion and loss of passion after months of struggle.
Sara Sorribes Tormo has announced an indefinite pause in her professional tennis career, citing prolonged emotional distress and a loss of passion for the sport. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 28-year-old Spaniard revealed, “I have been suffering for many months… I have lost the enthusiasm for training, competing, and improving.” She emphasized the need to rest, take care of herself, and be honest about her feelings, acknowledging that she no longer enjoys the aspects of the sport that once brought her joy.
Despite recent successes, including a doubles title in Bogotá with Cristina Bucșa and a pivotal singles victory in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Brazil, Sorribes Tormo has been grappling with the pressures of the professional circuit. Her decision to step back comes after a period of introspection, where she recognized the toll that continuous competition and expectations had taken on her mental health.
Fellow Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz expressed his support for Sorribes Tormo’s decision, highlighting the mental demands of the sport. Alcaraz shared that he too needed a break after the Miami Open, taking five days off to reconnect with himself. He emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and mind, stating, “sometimes you don’t realize you need to stop until a few days aren’t enough.”
Sorribes Tormo’s career has been marked by resilience and determination. She achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 32 in February 2022 and has secured two WTA singles titles, including victories in Guadalajara (2021) and Cleveland (2023). She has won six WTA doubles titles and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Cristina Bucșa. She is known for her tenacity on the court and contributions to Spanish tennis.
Inside the Baseline…
Sorribes Tormo’s candid post sheds light on the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by professional athletes. Her decision to prioritize well-being over competition is a good reminder that success isn’t solely defined by titles and rankings. In an era where mental health is gaining deserved attention, her transparency is inspiring, showing that taking a step back can be a courageous and necessary act.
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