My Life Changed Forever –Swiss Tennis Star Opens Up About Suicide Attempt

Swiss tennis player Leandro Riedi has spoken publicly for the first time about attempting to take his own life in June 2024, sharing his story in the hope of helping others battling mental health issues.

The 24-year-old opened up in a heartfelt social media post about the events of June 21, 2024, a dark moment that occurred just under two weeks before he competed in the Wimbledon qualifying rounds, where he won two matches to reach the final round.

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“That day, my life changed forever,” Riedi wrote on Instagram. “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.”

“For a long time, I struggled with anxiety, panic attacks and a mental battle that most people around me couldn’t see.”

Riedi, who announced himself as a rising star by winning the Australian Open boys’ doubles title and reaching the French Open boys’ singles final in 2020, went on to capture five ATP Challenger titles before achieving a career-best fourth-round run at the 2025 US Open as a qualifier.

However, behind the scenes, the former World No. 116 was navigating intense internal battles alongside a string of physical setbacks, including four surgeries over the past two years. Currently recovering from wrist surgery, Riedi has been out of action since June and plans to return to tour in early 2027.

Through professional medical guidance and a strong support network, Riedi emphasized that he has found a path forward.

“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,” he shared. “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.”

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“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.”

Reflecting on his road to recovery, Riedi concluded that sharing his experience was driven purely by the desire to reach anyone in need.

“June 21, 2024, will always be a date I carry with me… Finding my way out was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” he added. “I’m not sharing this for sympathy. I’m sharing it because if even one person reads this and realizes they are not alone, then it is worth it.”