Recently, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios’ mental health struggles saw the light of day, thanks to a new documentary. He shared his deeply personal journey, revealing his struggle with depression and his decision to seek help by checking into a psychiatric ward after his heartbreaking defeat at the 2019 Wimbledon tournament. The upcoming Netflix series titled “Break Point” will see Kyrgios bare his soul about the mental health battles he faced following the loss.
Recalling the aftermath of his Wimbledon match against Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, Kyrgios confessed that he reached a point where he contemplated suicide.
The Australian newspaper reported his candid statement from the documentary, “I lost at Wimbledon. I woke up, and my dad was sitting on the bed, full-blown crying. That was the big wake-up call for me. I was like, ‘OK, I can’t keep doing this.’ I ended up in a psych ward in London to figure out my problems.”
After Nick Kyrgios checked into a psych ward, he came to terms with his poor mental health and hoped to work on his recovery. In February, Kyrgios took to Instagram to express his growth and newfound perspective, stating that he has completely turned his life around.
He emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment and encouraged his followers to strive for their full potential while embracing the beauty of life.
The “Break Point” documentary episodes shed light on Kyrgios’ remarkable journey to the Wimbledon final in 2022. The success he achieved in the tournament brought back vivid memories of the hardships he faced after the 2019 edition of the Grand Slam.
Reflecting on the pressure and high expectations, Kyrgios admitted his struggle to cope, leading to self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, strained family relationships, and pushing away close friends.
Nick Kyrgios’ struggle with depression and suicide led to concerning self-harm behavior. During the tournament, he concealed his emotional pain by wearing a white sleeve on his right arm, which he explained was a way to hide the scars from his self-harming behaviors. Opening up about this coping mechanism, he shared, “You could tell I was hurting. My whole arm was covered in scars. That’s why I actually got my arm sleeve. To cover it all.”
In addition to the hurdles he has encountered, Kyrgios faced another setback when he made the difficult decision to withdraw from this year’s French Open. The withdrawal was prompted by a foot injury he sustained during a distressing car theft incident that involved his mother.
In May, Kyrgios’ mother was held at gunpoint near their home in Canberra, Australia, as confirmed by the police. Kyrgios’ agent, Daniel Horsfall, explained that amidst these distressing events, Nick lacerated the side of his left foot.
Nick Kyrgios’ mental health struggles, the openness to share his story, and his decision to seek help highlight the importance of addressing mental well-being, even for high-profile athletes. By sharing his story, Kyrgios hopes to inspire others to seek the support they need and break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
His journey serves as a reminder that seeking professional help and engaging in open conversations can lead to personal growth, resilience, and a brighter future.