“The only reason why I decided to speak about it is because I hope that, if I could just help one player or one person, it’s enough," he said. "It's good enough.”
Soderling points out that professional athletes do have a certain kind of pressure, but it’s important to remember the dangers of letting your sport become your entire life.
"I think it's really difficult to have someone to speak to, " he said. "Of course, I had a mental coach who trained me, but I was always working about performing, how to perform even more. I just needed someone to speak to about other things, how I felt."
The 35-year-old retired from the tour in 2015, though he stopped playing in 2011 after winning his 10th career title in Bastad. Now a coach, Soderling hopes to teach other young athletes that mental health is a top priority, and it’s OK to get help.
