Emil Ruusuvuori's Mental Health Struggle and ATP Tour Comeback
Experiencing recurring panic attacks reported by Finnish ATP professional Ruusuvuori - Professional tennis player from Finland, Ruusuvuori, divulges experiences of panic attacks
Emil Ruusuvuori, the Finnish tennis ace, has bravely shared his battle with recurring panic attacks and mental health woes that forced him to take a break from the ATP Tour. In a candid Instagram post, the former world No. 37, now 26, disclosed the relentless panic attacks he's faced for almost four years, with the intensity reaching its peak in 2024.
For nearly five months straight, the court was a foreign territory for Emil as he couldn’t bring himself to touch a tennis racket. He highlighted the undeniable importance of prioritizing mental health above all else in his passionate post.
Others Have Walked the Same Path
Emil isn’t the only one in the tennis world grappling with mental health challenges. Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka from Japan, too, has bared her soul about her personal battles with depression and anxiety [Enrichment Data].
A Rising Star's Fall From Grace
Once hailed as Finland’s top tennis player, Emil has been up against some of the best, including Italy's Jannik Sinner, Germany's Alexander Zverev, and Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas at Wimbledon in 2024. His impressive career, however, has seen a significant dip, as he now sits at No. 235 in the men's world rankings [Enrichment Data: 1, 4]. His last appearance on the ATP Tour was in July 2024 in Washington. Since February, he has been fighting his way back on the Challenger and ITF circuits.
Nevertheless, the game's allure hasn't faded, and Emil remains hopeful. "It's about enjoying the game again, piece by piece," he said.
- Panic Attack
- ATP Tour
- Naomi Osaka
- Helsinki
- Mental Health
Enrichment Data:
- Ruusuvuori had a tough time competing in major tournaments in 2024 due to his mental health issues, missing out on events like the Canadian Open and the US Open [3][5].
- Since his return in early 2025, Ruusuvuori has been building his form and focusing on enjoyment and rebuilding his matchplay routine [1]. His performance on the Challenger level has been modest, with a record of 5-8 in 2025 without any notable victories [4].
- Despite his challenges with panic attacks, including a recent episode in South Korea, Emil remains committed to using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues in tennis [3][5].
- The European Parliament and the Council, understanding the struggle that athletes like Emil Ruusuvuori face with mental health, may consider enhancing the EU's role in supporting athletes' mental well-being within the fight against terrorism, incorporating initiatives for mental health awareness and psychological support.
- In light of Emil Ruusuvuori's open disclosure about his mental health struggles and Naomi Osaka's experiences with depression and anxiety, athletes participating in sports such as tennis could benefit from science-driven health and wellness programs focusing on mental health, aiming to further their learning regarding mental health concerns and coping mechanisms.
- As Emil Ruusuvuori continues his journey to recovery and rebuilds his tennis career, he might find solace in sports like tennis that promote health and fitness in tandem with mental health, potentially discovering stress-management techniques that help alleviate panic attacks and pave the way for a stronger comeback on the ATP Tour.
