By Tejal Kulkarni- White Badge Tennis Referee and Sports Psychologist (www.serenemindspsych.com)
On World Mental Health Day, it is important to remind ourselves that tennis — like any sport is not just about winning titles or chasing rankings. It is also about building resilience, confidence, and joy. Yet, the mental health of young athletes often goes unnoticed in the pursuit of results. As someone who has seen both sides of the net- as a tennis referee and sports psychologist, I believe we need to talk more openly about mental health in tennis.
Why Mental Health Matters in Tennis
Tennis is an individual sport that demands not only physical stamina but also immense psychological strength. Athletes face pressure from competition, peers, coaches, and most importantly — from within their own families. When this pressure becomes excessive, it begins to harm the athlete’s mental wellbeing rather than supporting their growth.
Recently, a heartbreaking incident shook the Indian sports community. A 25-year-old female tennis player, Radhika Yadav, who was running her own academy and promoting the sport through social media, lost her life in an act of violence by her own father. The underlying cause was societal judgment and family control — a stark reminder of how mental health challenges often stem from external pressures beyond the tennis court.
On the other end of the spectrum, even young children face struggles. During an U12 National Series event that I officiated, I saw a 10-year-old girl showing severe dehydration in the middle of a match. She wanted to stop, but her mother insisted her to continue the match. The girl finished two sets despite barely being able to stand. This is just one example of how mental and physical health are intertwined — and how ignoring signals of distress can have lasting effects on children’s wellbeing.
The Hidden Costs of Pressure
Parental expectations can often feel like ultimatums rather than encouragement. Comments such as “If this is how you are going to play, let’s just go home” or “There’s no point in continuing like this” don’t inspire resilience — they create fear and anxiety.
It is important to remember: winning and losing are both part of the sport. Children should feel safe regardless of the outcome. Security builds confidence, whereas fear builds doubt. A child who is afraid of disappointing their parents will not play freely — and over time, this affects both performance and mental health.
Tournament Overload and Burnout
At grassroot level, mostly in local or state circuits, children as young as eight are often entered in multiple age categories. While this may seem like “extra exposure,” it can turn into overtraining. An 8-year-old who plays 10–12 matches over a single weekend, risks not only injuries but also mental fatigue and loss of motivation.
We need to remind ourselves that these are developing bodies and minds. Their bones are still soft, their emotional regulation is still forming, and their coping mechanisms are still evolving. Overburdening them with competition undermines their long-term relationship with the sport.
The Importance of Emotional Space
One of the biggest mental health challenges I see is post-match confrontation. Many parents immediately critique their child after a loss — yelling, comparing, or pointing out mistakes. At that moment, the child is already emotionally vulnerable. What they need first is reassurance, not criticism.
A healthier approach is to give space. Encourage the child to reflect by writing down what went well and what didn’t. Later, sit together with a coach or sports psychologist to discuss calmly. This turns reflection into a growth tool, rather than criticism into shame.
Mental Health is the Foundation of Success
Yes, sports demand discipline, resilience, and competitiveness. But all of these qualities stem from a healthy mind. Anxiety, burnout, and fear-based pressure don’t build champions — they break spirits. The true goal of sports is empowerment, confidence, and joy.
On this World Mental Health Day, let us remind ourselves that success in sport is not only measured by trophies. It is also measured by whether the athlete feels supported, secure, and motivated to keep playing.
Quick Mental Health Tips for Everyone in Tennis (Parents, Peers, Coaches, Friends)
1. Focus on effort, not outcome: Celebrate growth, improvement, and hard work, not just victories.
2. Be a supporter, not a controller: Encourage autonomy and let athletes feel ownership of their journey.
3. Respect developmental stages: Understand that children progress at their own pace — don’t compare.
4. Avoid overscheduling: Prioritize rest, recovery, and fun alongside competition.
5. Protect physical health: Ensure hydration, nutrition, and adequate breaks during play.
6. Use kind words: Avoid harsh comparisons, sarcasm, or guilt-inducing comments.
7. Model resilience: Show how to handle wins and losses with calmness and balance.
8. Listen actively: Believe athletes when they express fatigue, stress, or frustration.
9. Encourage a growth mindset: Frame setbacks as opportunities to learn, not failures.
10. Time feedback wisely: Offer emotional support first, analysis later.
11. Empower passion: Respect that the sport belongs to the child — let their love for the game lead the way.
On World Mental Health Day, let us commit to creating a tennis culture where mental health is valued as highly as physical performance. Because a healthy mind is the real champion behind every successful athlete.