In an emotional response to the heartfelt confession of fellow tennis player Federico Gomez, Spanish tennis sensation Paula Badosa offered words of solace and encouragement. Badosa, profoundly moved by Gomez’s admission of mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts, praised his courage and assured him of brighter days ahead.
Gomez, an Argentine tennis player and victor of three Challenger titles, publicly confessed over the weekend that his personal life had taken a severe hit, despite the last six months being the most successful of his tennis career. The 28-year-old revealed that his emotional turmoil had led him to question the value of his own life.
Known for her transparent discussions about her personal battle with major depression, Badosa could not hide her pain at Gomez’s revelation. Through a message shared on her Instagram story, the 2025 Australian Open semifinalist empathized with Gomez’s plight, writing, “@fedegomez250 It hurts me so much to hear these words, where I look so reflective.”
She went on to offer her support and encouragement, reminding him of his bravery and resilience. “Lots of encouragement and lots of strength. You are very brave. Remember: the storm doesn’t last forever, the sun always rises, and when it does, you’ll be stronger than ever,” she shared.
Gomez’s professional tennis journey took an impressive leap as his mental health deteriorated. Prior to 2024, he had not secured a Challenger title or a spot in the world’s top-300 rankings. However, by the end of that year, he had won three Challenger titles, made it to his ATP debut, and finished within the top-150 worldwide rankings.
Despite his professional triumphs, Gomez’s personal life was far from perfect. He took to Instagram to share his struggles, writing, “2024 was undoubtedly the best year of my tennis career, but in turn, the worst year personally, and this last time was no exception.” His post revealed his contemplation of quitting tennis, his doubts about life’s worth, and his recurring suicidal thoughts.
Following his candid revelation, tennis legend Boris Becker reached out to Gomez, offering his support and urging him to seek help when needed. Today, Gomez will be seen battling it out against Rudy Quan in the first round of the Indian Wells qualifying tournament. This story serves as a stark reminder that mental health struggles can impact anyone, regardless of their professional success.