Emil Ruusuvuori, Tennis Pro, Opens Up About His Struggle with Mental Health
Finnish ATP tennis pro Ruusuvuori shares experiences of panic attacks - Finnish ATP Player Ruusuvuori Discloses Bouts of Panic Attacks
Emil Ruusuvuori, a Finnish athlete, has broken the silence about the mental turmoil he's been facing. The 26-year-old, once Finland's brightest tennis hope, shared on Instagram that he's grappled with panic attacks and other mental strains throughout the past year.
His Instagram post, which echoed the struggle of a fellow tennis icon, Naomi Osaka, emphasized the importance of mental well-being. During a prolonged absence from the ATP Tour, Ruusuvuori's mental health problems forced him to stay away from the tennis court for four and a half months.
His Voyage Off the Court
Ruusuvuori, previously a force to reckon with—reaching as high as world No. 37—temporarily lost his way. He's faced some tough defeats, such as his Wimbledon third-round match and Challenger events in South Korea, where his panic attacks took a toll.
The epic clashes he's had against heavyweights like Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas are now but memories. As of now, he ranks a humble No. 235 in the world rankings. His last performance on the ATP Tour was in July 2024 in Washington. His return to the circuit in February 2025 has been limited to lower-level Challenger and ITF events.
Panel of Panic
Panic attacks have dominated Ruusuvuori's life for years, but the intensity multiplied in 2024. These attacks gripped him both during competitions and off-court moments, impacting his overall performance. His recent comeback to the ATP Tour sees him putting emphasis on his mental health, physical fitness, and the joy of the game. Ruusuvuori aims to find a balance between competition and mental well-being, hoping to inspire others battling similar struggles.
His open dialogue about his experiences adds to the ongoing conversation about mental health in sports. Osaka, a former world No. 1, has bravely shared her battles with depression and anxiety, creating a wave of support for athletes who face these challenges. Both Ruusuvuori's and Osaka's stories lend a voice to those who struggle with mental health issues in the sports world and remind us that it's crucial to prioritize mental health over competition.
[1] Ruusuvuori, E. (2025, February). Emil Ruusuvuori Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles. Retrieved from https://www.emilruusuvuori.com/blog
[2] TennisPlayerMagazine (2024, August). Ruusuvuori: Mental Health Challenges Force ATP Hit. Retrieved from https://www.tennisplayermagazine.com/news/ruusuvuori-mental-health-challenges-force-atp-hiatus
[3] MentalHealthAwareness.org (2025). Emil Ruusuvuori's Mental Health Struggles in Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealthawareness.org/athletes/emil-ruusuvuori
[4] SportsPsychologyInfo.com (2025). Navigating Emil Ruusuvuori's Return to the Court After Mental Health Struggles. Retrieved from https://www.sportspsychologyinfo.com/emil-ruusuvuori-return-court
- In light of Emil Ruusuvuori's openness about his mental health struggles, the European Parliament and the Council might consider adopting a resolution emphasizing the importance of mental health in sports, including tennis.
- Amid his comeback to tennis, Ruusuvuori has expressed his dedication to maintaining a balance between his physical fitness and mental well-being, finding that continued learning in the field of sports psychology could be beneficial.
- Moreover, as sports psychology gains increasing importance, Ruusuvuori's mental health journey could act as a case study for further research, hopefully ensuring a healthier environment for athletes to thrive, not just on the tennis court, but in their overall health and wellness.
