Tennis

“There’s Always Light At The End Of The Tunnel”: Federico Gómez Wins, Heals, And Inspires In Paris

Published: May 27, 2025, 5:32 PM
4 min read
Updated: Aug 18, 2025, 4:05 PM
Federico Agustin Gomez of Argentina

Federico Agustin Gomez of Argentina (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

PARIS – Novak Djokovic’s words carry special meaning for Federico Gómez at the sweetest moment of his tennis career.

“As Djokovic said: ‘There’s always light at the end of the tunnel,’” he recalled on Tuesday during a press conference in Paris that felt different. Gómez was speaking after his first-ever Grand Slam win, expressing joy not just for the result, but for overcoming his inner struggles after going public with his mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.

The Argentine used the amplified platform of a Grand Slam to send a message to young players who might be going through dark moments.

“Open up in whatever way you can—you’re not alone. There are many ways to ask for help. Stay calm, everything will be okay,” he said.

“I’m happy to help other players or anyone who might be feeling that same kind of pain or insecurity. Talking about it may not be the solution, but it’s the foundation of a house, or the roots of a tree. It’s a good place to start.”

From Rock Bottom to Roland Garros

In March, Federico Gómez used his social media to share that he was going through the hardest time of his life.

“Living with thoughts of quitting tennis completely, seriously questioning if all of this is really worth it, and even, on many occasions, having suicidal thoughts—of not wanting to live anymore, of wanting to leave this world,” the Argentine wrote on March 2, 2025, on his Instagram account @fedegomez250.

His 4–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–1 win over North American Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of the French Open felt like a reward for all the effort and everything he’s been through.

Twelve months ago, he was playing an ITF tournament in France, still far from the dream of reaching the second round at a major.

“When I think about how a year ago I was playing a 25K here in France, just a few hours from Paris… and now I’m in the second round of Roland Garros. It’s really special to be here,” Gómez, 28, said.

A Lucky Loser with a Champion’s Support

After winning the Carnac ITF in both singles and doubles in June 2024, Gómez travelled a few hours to Paris to watch his friend Francisco Cerúndolo play against Djokovic in the French Open fourth round. A year later, Paris had a different story in store for him.

In a tournament he entered as a lucky loser, Gómez was called up by Djokovic to practice with him—a gesture that’s becoming something of a habit. The former world No. 1 had already invited him to one of his training sessions at the Miami Masters, just days after Gómez’s emotional Instagram post.

“This time it was a real training session for both of us, since we were both preparing for the first round. In Miami, I wasn’t playing, so that session was fully tailored to what he needed,” Gómez explained.

“As always, he was a great person and a great teammate. He always greets me when we cross paths in the locker room or in the players’ lounge. That kind of thing makes me feel comfortable with him—I feel very supported by him and his team. You really couldn’t ask for a better way to prepare for a Grand Slam main draw.”

Federico Gómez will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie on Thursday for a place in the third round at Roland Garros.

Tennis Reporter
Journalist. Founder of CLAY, a global tennis media platform. Since 2012, Sebastián has covered multiple international events for various sports outlets, including the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Tennis is his specialty, and his yearly calendar is built around four essential stops: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. His love of travel has also shaped his work beyond sports, inspiring travel chronicles from unique journeys — like crossing the Australian desert in a van or exploring a tourist-free Japan during the pandemic — published in travel magazines.
Interests:
FIFA
PGA
ATP
WTA
Travel
Food
Cocktail Culture
Tattoos
International Affairs
Track and Field

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Hockey
News Report
NHL Source: Hutson Missed USA Orientation Roster Partly Due to Worlds Snub

Did passing on the World Championships play a role in Lane Hutson not being invited to USA Hockey’s orientation camp?

4
08/23/2025
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
NHL Source: Hutson Missed USA Orientation Roster Partly Due to Worlds Snub
Tennis
Interview
Novak Djokovic All But Confirms Collaboration With Monica Seles

Novak Djokovic teased Monica Seles as a potential short-term coaching partner, citing her influence as a childhood hero and longtime mentor.

5
08/23/2025
Sasa Ozmo
Sasa Ozmo
Novak Djokovic All But Confirms Collaboration With Monica Seles
Basketball
Interview
McCants Questions NBA Rookie Development, Talks Thunder Blueprint

Former UNC star Rashad McCants says NBA rookies have an easier path than past generations and weighs in on why he isn’t sold on the Thunder’s system.

9
08/22/2025
Lorenzo J. Reyna
Lorenzo J. Reyna
McCants Questions NBA Rookie Development, Talks Thunder Blueprint
Hockey
Interview
Aaron Ekblad Stays With Panthers On Discount Deal To Chase More Cups

Aaron Ekblad’s $48.8 million extension with the Florida Panthers was driven by his pursuit of a three-peat as the franchise looks to cement its dynasty.

6
08/22/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Aaron Ekblad Stays With Panthers On Discount Deal To Chase More Cups
Prev
...
Next
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.