Nick Kyrgios opens up on mental health struggles and arm sleeve covering scars
Nick Kyrgios has revealed how he was once admitted to a psychiatric hospital in a new Netflix documentary.
The Australian tennis star lost in four sets to Rafael Nadal in the second round at Wimbledon back in 2019. He wore a white sleeve to cover up his arm during the defeat.
But the 28-year-old has now shed light on his state of mind at the time of the match in a documentary titled ‘Break Point’ – set to be released later this month.
Kyrgios explained in episode six – ‘Belonging’ – how scars on his arms were the devastating reason behind him wearing a sleeve.
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He went on to spend time in a psychiatric hospital in London, later opening up publicly about his mental health struggles for the first time in February 2022.
“I was genuinely contemplating if I wanted to commit suicide,” Kyrgios says in the upcoming 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.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
“I was like, okay, I can’t keep doing this. I ended up in a psych ward in London to figure out my problems.”
Break Point covers Kyrgios’ run to last year’s Wimbledon final in what was the highlight of his singles career, which also prompted recollections of 2019.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
“That pressure, having that all-eyes-on-you expectation, I couldn’t deal with it. I hated the kind of person I was,” he added.
“I was drinking, abusing drugs, lost my relationship with my family, pushed all my close friends away.
“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.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
