How Wimbledon 2025 Finalists Alcaraz and Anisimova Prioritize Mental Health for Success

This year’s Wimbledon highlighted how mental health has become a crucial topic in tennis. Players openly discussed their emotional struggles, turning post-match interviews into discussions about mental well-being.

Experts suggest that tennis stars can adopt simple strategies to manage their mental health. For instance, Carlos Alcaraz mentioned, “I’ve felt down at times on the court… it’s about having fun, not just winning.” He heads into the finals with a remarkable 24-match winning streak, while Amanda Anisimova reached the finals after taking eight months off to focus on her mental health.

“People said I wouldn’t make it back after such a long break,” Anisimova shared. “But I proved that prioritizing yourself is key.” This shift in focus mirrors a broader conversation within the sport, especially since Naomi Osaka made headlines in 2021 when she opted out of a press conference to protect her mental health.

Alexander Zverev’s first-round loss brought his feelings of loneliness to light. In response, Aryna Sabalenka emphasized the importance of sharing one’s emotions. She noted, “It’s vital to open up; keeping feelings bottled up can destroy you.” Similarly, Madison Keys credits therapy for her success at the Australian Open.

LaKeitha Poole, an expert in sport psychology, highlights that therapy is now seen as a normal part of athletic training. “Just like with a strength coach or dietitian, mental health support is now essential,” she stated. “The stigma around therapy is fading, making it a safer space for athletes to speak out.”

Mark Kovacs, a human performance scientist, explained that the pressures in tennis are unique. Many players start their careers young, feeling the weight of expectations while being entirely responsible for their success. “In tennis, you hire and fire your own coaches—there’s no safety net,” he said. This intense pressure can create a heavy burden. Alex de Minaur added, “You’re on your own. If you have a bad day, it’s all on you.”

Interestingly, younger players, particularly those from Generation Z, seem more at ease discussing mental health. Poole noted this shift: “Gen Z athletes have a richer emotional vocabulary. They’re reframing what it means to compete and be themselves.” Yet, amidst this openness, there’s also a sense of isolation influenced by social media, as pointed out by Weirong Li, highlighting the struggle to build genuine connections in a tech-driven world.

Mental health issues in sports often vary. Kovacs cautioned against confusing performance anxiety with clinical mental health conditions. He stressed the need for qualified support to address individual challenges effectively.

The emotional journeys of players like Anisimova, who faced personal tragedy, underline the significance of finding meaning beyond tennis. After losing her father, she said, “I learned to live a normal life for a bit.” Both Alcaraz and Anisimova emphasize purpose outside the sport, which can foster better mental health. “If athletes anchor their purpose to something bigger—like family or values—it’s likely to sustain their motivation and mental well-being,” Poole concluded.

The ongoing dialogue around mental health is reshaping the sport. More players are prioritizing their emotional wellness, pointing to a future where well-being and performance go hand in hand.

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