By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now| Thursday, April 17, 2025
Photo by: Clive Brunskill/Getty
In a heartfelt message, Sara Sorribes Tormo expressed her personal struggles.
Through an honest Instagram update, the 85th-ranked athlete from Spain revealed she has been “suffering for many months” on the court, prompting her to step back from tennis to prioritize her mental well-being.
The 28-year-old has not yet determined if her hiatus will be temporary or a longer-term decision.
“I wanted to share that I’ve made the choice to take time for myself, for my mind and body,” Sorribes Tormo said in her Instagram post. “I’ve been enduring a lot on the tennis court.”
“The cheerful and joyful Sara you see off the court is a stark contrast to the reality of what I carry inside.”
Known for her intense playing style, Sorribes Tormo admitted that despite competing through her struggles, the moments of distress have overshadowed any sense of peace.
“I’ve lost the passion to train, improve, and even to participate in tournaments,” she continued. “The suffering has become more prevalent than the calm, and this is coming from someone who has always found joy in hard work, growth, and competition.
“That’s why, along with seeking help, I feel it is necessary to pause and recuperate. I am uncertain if this will be a permanent or temporary decision.”
“I aim to stay true to what my body is communicating.”
During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Sorribes Tormo made headlines by defeating the world No. 1, Ash Barty, showcasing her talent in a remarkable match.
She claimed victory with a score of 6-4, 6-3 in just under an hour and a half, while Barty struggled with 55 unforced errors compared to Sorribes Tormo’s 13.
A spectacular win for Team Spain 🇪🇸 💪 @sara_sorribes eliminates world No.1 Ash Barty in straight sets. #Olympics • #Tennis • #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/wP17QEOgfd
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) July 25, 2021
Barty initially took the first game, but Sorribes Tormo quickly turned the tide, taking four consecutive games to secure the first set. In the second set, Barty came back from a break down to tie at 3-all, only to drop the final three games to close out the match.
