In 2020, the COVID-19 caused the detriment of billions. The reduced physical contact with their friends and families affected many. People in the world face multiple issues, and each problem becomes unfavorable to their mental health. Notably, Jannik Sinner was no different from anyone else in this regard.

The then 19-year-old found his world turning upside down as the tennis game halted. However, he found a way to deal with the depleting mental health that had suddenly plagued the world. But, like every one of us, he found an intriguing way to tackle the loneliness.

How Jannik Sinner overcame his mental health issues

At 13, Sinner was on his way to become a great skier. However, he decided to change his route and picked up tennis. The teenage Italian gun had a sound mind to know when he needed to change disciplines based on what would suit him best. He turned pro in 2019 and found himself surprised at the COVID-19 pandemic, like billions around the world.

And rightly so, tennis has become a space where more and more athletes are opening up about their struggles with mental health, and Sinner is one of the many. He was even invited to GQ’s Breaking Point series, which discussed a side of sports seldom discussed. 

He also features in “A Hero’s Journey,” which focuses on modern sports icons. Sinner talked about being spotlighted as he matures as a player and person. Beyond the expectations he holds from the media and fans, it is his belief in himself that drives him ahead. “I’ve invested 100 percent of myself, [and] that’s maybe one of the reasons why I’m here,” he said.

The Italian player has become an ambassador for mental health across the tennis world.

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When tennis was shut, he decided to try his hand at helping others and himself. He launched the series “What’s Kept You Moving” mid-pandemic in 2020, in which he interviewed other young athletes about overcoming challenging circumstances. He invited Italian sprinter Filippo Tortu and Paralympic fencer Bebe Vio, and the three had heartfelt exchanges during the pandemic.

 As he continues growing as a player, he aims to go big in the Australian Open and have an open dialogue surrounding the mental side of tennis. 

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