Grigor Dimitrov was defeated in the final in Stockholm by Tommy Paul and, in a press conference, the Bulgarian talkedat length about mental health, anxiety and panic attacks, with shocking reflections on the subject.
ADVERTISEMENT
As reported by the Swedish media SpilXperten, Dimitrov spoke about his career and how he has suffered from several anxiety and panic attacks. And he encourages people to talk about it more.
"It would be a lie if I said I never had any problems. I had severe moments of anxiety, panic attacks, even during a tennis match. Of course it always helps when you can talk to people and share, even with another tennis player. I always say that we should all be more open with each other. I know, it's difficult, it's a very individual sport but in the end we are all human and we are no different from each other. I think a lot of athletes around the world are slowly starting to express themselves.
I've seen some NBA players talk openly about mental health. I totally understand that I'm speaking from my point of view, but as men in general we don't talk about it often enough, but I think we should. It's not a weakness. I think it's the opposite. I think showing vulnerability is a huge strength. I've been through a lot of wonderful moments if I sit here and tell the things I've been through, someone might say: wow, then you played well or: wow, then you did it? How did you do it? You have to listen to your inner voice, because it's very important.
ADVERTISEMENT
I've been close to retiring at least three times. I lost so many battles and judged myself too harshly, I played the victim. Then it depends on how you handle them and how you deal with those moments. We all want to look good on the outside, but the most important work is on the inside. Sometimes you might wake up feeling unhappy. What do you do? You try, you keep going. If you win, great. If you lose, you take the loss and move on. There is no other way. The best part of what we do is that we have a choice. So you have to choose what is important to you that day," he explained.
