Tennis Legend Ivanisevic Claims Widespread Antidepressant Use Among ATP Players

Tennis figures including Goran Ivanisevic and Novak Djokovic have highlighted a growing mental health crisis among elite tennis players, with Ivanisevic claiming that nearly all players are on antidepressants due to intense psychological pressures. Alexander Zverev's recent candid admission of feeling empty and joyless has brought renewed attention to the mental struggles athletes face, intensified by the isolating nature of tennis and amplified by social media's pervasive influence, as Djokovic explained. Former champion Ivanisevic emphasized that coaching today involves much more psychological support than technical training, underscoring the importance of mental resilience. Djokovic has openly discussed his own internal battles and praised players like Naomi Osaka for prioritizing their mental well-being, which helps destigmatize mental health issues in sports. Ivanisevic also warned that players like Stefanos Tsitsipas must address off-court issues to maintain top performance, reflecting the broader challenge athletes face balancing professional demands with personal health. Collectively, these insights reveal a critical need for greater support and understanding of mental health within professional tennis.