“Suffering” Sorribes Tormo Presses Pause on Tennis Career

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, April 17, 2025
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty

In a hand-written note, Sara Sorribes Tormo shared personal anguish.

In a candid Instagram post, the 85th-ranked Spaniard said she’s been “suffering for many months” on court and is taking time away from tennis for her mental health. 

The 28-year-old Spaniard said she’s unsure if the break will be temporary or permanent.

“I wanted to tell you that I’ve decided to take some time. Some time for myself, for my mind and for my body,” Sorribes Tormo said in her Instagram post. “I’ve been suffering for many months on a tennis court.

“The cheerful and happy Sara that you see off the court is far from the reality of everything I carry inside.”

Sorribes Tormo, who plays a physical brand of tennis, said she’s been competing while coping with the malaise, but confessed moments of “suffering far outweigh those of calm.”

“I’ve lost the excitement to train, to improve, and even to go to tournaments,” Sorribes Tormo said. “The moments of suffering far outweigh those of calm, 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.

“I want to be coherent and consistent with what my body feels.”

At the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, Sorribes Tormo shocked Wimbledon winner and world No. 1 Ash Barty in a confident performance.

Sorribes Tormo posted a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Barty in one hour and 34 minutes, as Barty tossed in 55 unforced errors to just 13 for Sorribes Tormo.

A stunning victory for Team Spain 🇪🇸 💪@sara_sorribes knocks out world No.1 Ash Barty in straight sets. #Olympics • #Tennis • #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/wP17QEOgfd

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) July 25, 2021

Barty won the first game of the match but the Spaniard took the next four and held on to take the opening set. In the second set Barty rallied from a break down and stayed level at 3-all, but dropped the final three games.