Spanish star says she’s lost her joy for tennis as peers rally behind her emotional announcement.
Sara Sorribes Tormo, one of Spain’s grittiest and most respected tennis players, has announced she is stepping away from the sport, citing mental and physical exhaustion after months of inner struggle.
In a hand-written note posted to her Instagram in Spanish, and captioned in English, the 28-year-old former World No. 32 revealed her decision just days after helping Spain qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. “I’ve lost the excitement to train, to improve, and even to go to tournaments,” she wrote. “The cheerful and happy Sara that you see off the court is far from the reality of everything I carry inside.”
Sorribes Tormo, currently ranked No. 85 in singles and No. 40 in doubles, made the heartfelt revelation on Thursday, stunning fans and fellow players alike. Her words painted a picture of a player who, despite a resilient and relentless on-court persona, has been quietly battling behind the scenes.
Embed from Getty Images“The moments of suffering far outweigh those of calm,” she continued. “And this is coming from someone who has always loved to work, improve, and compete. That’s why, in addition to needing help, I feel that I need to stop and rest. I don’t know if it will be permanent or temporary.”
Messages of love and support quickly flooded the post. Former Billie Jean King Cup captain Carla Suárez Navarro and up-and-coming Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro were among the first to comment. Caroline Garcia, Sorana Cirstea, and Viktorija Golubic echoed the sentiment, with Garcia writing: “You are an example of making this decision for yourself, for taking care of yourself. A big hug.”
ATP World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz also sent a message of solidarity during a press conference at the Barcelona Open. “She’s a warrior,” he said. “I hope she finds the answers she needs, and hopefully, we’ll see her smiling and fighting again soon.”
The decision comes at a poignant moment in her career. In 2023, she partnered with Marie Bouzkova to win the WTA 1000 China Open doubles title and became part of the first all-Spanish duo to claim the Madrid Open title, alongside Cristina Bucșa. But the same success has masked an internal struggle that has now reached a tipping point.
Sorribes Tormo has been celebrated for her fighting spirit and relentless court coverage—traits epitomised by her participation in the fourth-longest match of the Open Era in 2023. She owns two WTA singles titles and six in doubles, and her upset over World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty at the Tokyo Olympics remains one of her defining career highlights.
But it’s clear the burden has become too much. “I want to be coherent and consistent with what my body feels,” she wrote. “And above all, I want to feel proud of myself and what I do, whether that’s on the court or off.”
There is no timeline for her return, and Sorribes Tormo was careful not to frame this as a farewell. Instead, she has left the door open to whatever the future holds, prioritising her wellbeing first.
As the tennis world readies for the clay season in Madrid and Rome, it will do so without one of its most tenacious competitors. But judging by the outpouring of affection and admiration, Sara Sorribes Tormo’s presence in the sport transcends any ranking or title.
For now, she rests—and the sport waits.
