"I am living proof that things can get better" - Swiss tennis player discloses attempted suicide and mental health battle

There are more important things in life than tennis, some that many people do not see behind the scenes. Leandro Riedi has been through a lot in his life, with the 24-year-old releasing a lengthy statement detailing his battle with mental health, giving hope to others after his attempt to take his own life a couple of years ago.

The Swiss tennis player noted the day June 21, 2024, when his 'life changed forever.' Two weeks after that suicide attempt, he was back on the courts competing in the Wimbledon qualifier, reaching the final round in a brave and valiant effort in the wake of an incredibly tough period.

He was ranked around 134th in the world at the time, with his career high since having been as high as World No.116 back in June 2025.

Notable results include a run to the fourth round of the US Open last year, the 2020 Junior Roland Garros runner-up with a grand total of five Challenger titles, the latest having been won in South Korea in April 2026. In doubles, he triumped in the Junior Australian Open event in 2020 alongside Nicholas David Ionel.

Reidi got a lot of interest from a tennis perspective with this form in his junior career. However, beneath the surface, the Swiss were battling with an internal battle. Injuries played their part as his tennis career stalled and his life flashed before his eyes.

He wrote out a statement on Instagram recounting his story, sharing how he came out of it on the right side.

"June 21, 2024. A day I will never forget. That day, my life changed forever. I reached a point where I attempted to take my own life. I don’t want to go into the reasons or details, but I do want to talk about it because mental health deserves much more attention," he wrote.

"For a long time, I struggled with anxiety, panic attacks and a mental battle that most people around me couldn’t see. With the best professional help I could have ever asked for, the support of the people closest to me and a lot of work on myself, I slowly found my way back.

"Today, I’m incredibly proud to say that those thoughts are gone. I’m genuinely happy, grateful for my life and excited about the future. This experience changed my perspective on everything. I’ve learned that victories and success don’t mean much if you are not okay with yourself. My health, my happiness and my life will always come first.

"Of course, life still comes with battles. My body has put me through a lot over the years, with several surgeries, injuries and setbacks. There are still challenges ahead, both physically and mentally, but today I know how important it is to take care of myself and ask for help when I need it. June 21, 2024 will always be a date I carry with me. I will never forget it. Finding my way out was one of the hardest things I‘ve ever had to do. I’m incredibly proud of how far I‘ve come.

"I’m not sharing this for sympathy. I’m sharing it because if even one person reads this and realises they are not alone, then it is worth it. If you are struggling, please talk to someone. Reach out to the people closest to you. Seek professional help. There is no shame in asking for help. I am living proof that things can get better. You’re not alone."