Imagine reaching the pinnacle of your sport only to have anxiety throw a wrench into your career—this is the reality for Great Britain's Joe Salisbury. The celebrated doubles player, boasting six Grand Slam titles and having been ranked world number one, has announced a significant break from tennis due to struggles with anxiety—a challenge that has increasingly affected him throughout the season.
At 33 years old, Salisbury revealed that he's planning not to return to competition before April, after a year marked by intensifying mental and physical symptoms that have taken quite a toll. His feelings include a persistent sense of dread paired with tangible physical discomforts, making the sport less appealing and more daunting.
In a candid interview with BBC Sport, Salisbury described the physical sensations he experiences—heart palpitations, a vibrating sensation throughout his body, and a general sense of shakiness. These symptoms don't just appear randomly; they are recurring experiences that have marred his highly successful career, casting a shadow over his achievements.
Despite having undergone therapy, Salisbury concluded that he needed an extended break during a tour in Asia this autumn. He explained, "It's been tough to cope with at times, and it has made me less eager to compete at certain moments during the year." He also shared the emotional and physical toll of his anxiety—feeling sick to his stomach, struggling with sleep, and finding it difficult to eat properly—all of which contribute to a pervasive sense of impending doom.
He plans to disconnect from tennis fully during this period, allowing himself time for recovery and personal growth. To fill the time, Salisbury has lined up enriching activities like a safari adventure in Kenya, a skiing trip with his girlfriend’s family, and enjoying Christmas at home—things that are often hard to do for athletes with demanding schedules, especially when the new season in Australia looms in early January.
Throughout this season, Salisbury teamed up with fellow Briton Neal Skupski, and although they didn't secure a title, they finished as runners-up in six major events, including major tournaments like the French Open, the US Open, and the ATP Finals in Turin. He reflects that his anxiety didn't directly impact his tennis performance—"we played well, especially in the last six months”—but admits the emotional strain of managing his mental health took an emotional toll.
Interestingly, Salisbury admits that he hasn't openly discussed his struggles widely within the tennis community, choosing instead to confide mainly in close friends, family, and his team. He raises a thought-provoking question: many athletes face mental health issues silently out of fear of judgment or stigma. But Salisbury suggests that being open about mental health challenges might actually be empowering and a sign of strength—an idea that invites ongoing debate.
As Salisbury temporarily steps away, his partnership with Neal Skupski will pause, with plans to resume in the future. Meanwhile, Salisbury remains open to playing with others, including American Christian Harrison, starting in January. He emphasizes that his focus now is on healing and mental well-being, not just returning to the circuit.
Salisbury's experience is far from unique. Former Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka openly discussed her battles with depression before taking a break from tennis in 2021. More recently, American Amanda Anisimova, who reached tennis heights with finals at Wimbledon and the US Open this year, also shared her struggles with mental health, revealing she sometimes found the tennis environment "unbearable".
This story raises vital questions: How many athletes suffer in silence while the sport champions resilience? And what more can the tennis community do to support mental health? If you’re facing similar issues, resources exist—support and information are available through the BBC's Action Line website. Let’s start an honest conversation about mental health in sports—because everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, both on and off the court.
