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Djokovic opens up about why athletes turn to antidepressants in the world of tennis

Djokovic opens up about why athletes turn to antidepressants in the world of tennis

During an interview with sports journalist Saša Ozmo, Novak Djokovic has highlighted the powerful impact of social media on athletes, especially young tennis players navigating intense scrutiny. According to the Serbian champion, the constant exposure to online opinions and harsh commentary can deeply affect one’s emotional state. He warns that this kind of pressure isn’t just superficial — it can chip away at confidence and lead players down a path of anxiety and self-doubt.

Early professional pressure and lack of emotional support

Djokovic points out that many young players are being pushed into the professional world before they are emotionally prepared. With early success often comes a flood of external expectations, agents with vested interests, and relentless schedules. He believes this race toward profit and performance overlooks essential psychological development, leaving many vulnerable to burnout and emotional instability.

Relentless calendar strains mind and body

Tennis players face one of the longest seasons in global sports, running almost uninterrupted from January to late November. Djokovic underscores the unique challenge of tennis being an individual sport — there are no substitutions or breaks when a player is mentally or physically drained. Every moment on court counts, and sustaining high-level performance under such circumstances can be mentally exhausting, even for the most elite.

A call for deeper awareness in the sport

Through his reflections, Djokovic urges the tennis world to acknowledge the emotional and psychological weight carried by its athletes. As more players confront mental health struggles, his message resonates as a timely reminder that success on the scoreboard should not come at the cost of well-being. The game, he insists, must evolve to better support those who dedicate their lives to it.

Here is the entire interview.

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