Caroline Garcia, the former world number four, has made a difficult but necessary decision to step away from tennis for the remainder of the 2023 season. The 30-year-old Frenchwoman, known for her powerful game and impressive achievements, has been battling anxiety and panic attacks, a struggle she has bravely decided to address publicly.
Garcia’s decision is not only driven by her mental well-being but also by the need for physical recovery. She has been pushing her body to its limits, particularly her shoulder, which has hampered her performance. While she acknowledges the highs of her career, including two doubles Grand Slam titles and eleven WTA titles, including the Cincinnati Masters, Garcia has been grappling with feelings of inadequacy and a fixation on what she perceives as her failures.
“Physically, I’ve been pushing my shoulder to its limit, trying to recover while competing, and it’s just not working. I need more time off to heal properly,” Garcia wrote on X. “Mentally, I need a reset. I need to step away from the constant grind of tennis. “I’m exhausted from the anxiety, the panic attacks, the tears before matches. Tired of missing out on family moments and never having a place to truly call home. I’m tired of living in a world where my worth is measured by last week’s results, my ranking, or my unforced errors.”
Despite the challenges she has faced, Garcia is determined to return to the court in 2025, stronger and more prepared than ever. She will utilize this time off to prioritize her mental and physical health, preparing herself for a fresh start.
“I’m choosing to step away for now. I’m taking a few weeks off to recharge, then I’ll start preparing for 2025 early—getting ready physically, mentally, and tactically,” she said.
Garcia’s decision to prioritize her mental well-being reflects a growing awareness within the sports world, particularly tennis, about the importance of mental health. Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the 2021 French Open, citing depression, brought the topic to the forefront of public discourse, sparking conversations about the pressures athletes face and the need for greater support. Garcia’s decision to step away for her own well-being is a powerful testament to the importance of prioritizing mental health in all aspects of life.
