LONDON — In a move that has sent ripples through the world of professional tennis, Grand Slam champion Joe Salisbury has announced he is taking an immediate and extended break from the sport to prioritize his mental health. The British doubles specialist, a fixture at the top of the game for years, revealed the difficult decision in a heartfelt statement released through his management team, citing the immense pressures and relentless grind of the tour.
Salisbury, a six-time major champion and former World No. 1 in men's doubles, stated that the cumulative effect of the travel, pressure to perform, and time away from home has taken a significant toll. His announcement makes him one of the highest-profile male players to openly step away for mental wellbeing, joining a growing list of athletes across sports who are prioritizing psychological health alongside physical fitness.
The Announcement and Its Immediate Impact
The news broke just days before the start of the grass-court season, a period where Salisbury would typically be a leading contender for the Wimbledon title. In his statement, he expressed his regret at missing upcoming tournaments but emphasized the necessity of the break. "This has been one of the toughest decisions of my career," Salisbury wrote.
He continued, "For the past few years, I've been struggling with the constant demands of the tour. The travel, the pressure to maintain results, and the time spent away from my support system have led to a level of burnout and anxiety that I can no longer ignore. I have given absolutely everything to this sport, but I have reached a point where I need to step back and focus on my mental wellbeing."
The tennis world reacted with an outpouring of support. Fellow players, including his frequent on-court rivals, took to social media to express their understanding and encouragement. Rajeev Ram, Salisbury's long-time doubles partner, posted a simple but powerful message of solidarity: "Always with you, Joe. Your health comes first."
A Stellar Career Under Pressure
To understand the weight of this decision, one must consider the heights Salisbury has reached. His career is a testament to dedication and excellence, built on a foundation of intense pressure and high expectations. His major titles include:
- Australian Open Men's Doubles: 2020 and 2021 (with Ram)
- US Open Men's Doubles: 2021 and 2022 (with Ram)
- French Open Mixed Doubles: 2021 (with Desirae Krawczyk)
- Wimbledon Mixed Doubles: 2021 (with Krawczyk)
Beyond the Slams, he has secured the ATP Finals title and an Olympic Silver Medal at the Tokyo 2020 games. Maintaining this level of success requires a grueling schedule, with players often competing week-in and week-out across different continents and time zones. The mental fortitude required is immense, and Salisbury's candid admission sheds light on the hidden costs of this elite lifestyle.
The Growing Conversation in Tennis
Salisbury's announcement is part of a broader, crucial conversation about mental health in professional tennis. In recent years, high-profile players like Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles, and Nick Kyrgios have spoken openly about their own struggles, helping to destigmatize the issue. The WTA and ATP have since increased their mental health support services, but Salisbury's case highlights that the systemic challenges of the tour remain profound.
A sports psychologist who works with several top-100 players, Dr. Anya Sharma, commented on the trend. "What we're seeing is not a weakness in athletes, but a rational response to an irrational environment. The tour is a pressure cooker of isolation, constant judgment, and a 'perform or perish' mentality. It's unsustainable for many, and it takes immense courage to step away and say, 'I need to heal.'"
The unique pressures of a doubles specialist like Salisbury should not be underestimated. While they may not face the same media scrutiny as singles stars, their financial stability and ranking are often more precarious, dependent on maintaining a successful partnership and consistently deep runs in tournaments to secure a livelihood.
The Toll of the Tennis Calendar
The ATP tour calendar is notoriously unrelenting. Key stressors identified by players and sports scientists include:
- Constant Travel: Jet lag, unfamiliar environments, and lack of a stable home base.
- Financial Pressure: For most players outside the very top, prize money is inconsistent and must cover significant travel and coaching costs.
- Public Scrutiny: Every loss is public, and social media can amplify criticism.
- Injury Concerns: The fear of injury can be a constant source of anxiety.
Salisbury's statement alluded to these factors, noting the difficulty of being "always on" and the challenge of finding moments of genuine rest and recovery amidst the competitive chaos. His decision to prioritize a break is a powerful reminder that athletes are human beings first and competitors second.
Support and The Road Ahead
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and professional bodies have publicly backed Salisbury's decision. An LTA spokesperson stated, "The wellbeing of our players is paramount. We fully support Joe and commend his bravery in speaking openly about his mental health. Our player support team remains available to him throughout this period."
Salisbury has not set a specific timeline for his return, stating only that he will be away for the "foreseeable future" and that he looks forward to returning to the court when he feels "rejuvenated and ready to compete at the level I know I can." This open-ended approach is seen by mental health advocates as a healthy one, removing the pressure of a public deadline for recovery.
His announcement concludes with a message of hope for others who may be struggling: "I hope that by being open about my own challenges, I can contribute to a wider conversation and show that it's okay not to be okay. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
As Joe Salisbury steps off the court to focus on himself, his legacy is already secure. But perhaps his most significant contribution to the sport may yet be this courageous act of self-preservation, further breaking down barriers and reminding everyone that in the high-stakes game of professional tennis, the most important match is often the one we fight within ourselves.