ATP to work with charity founded by former Arsenal defender Tony Adams to support players’ mental health

The ATP said players would be able to contact a 24/7 helpline operated by Sporting Chance to discuss any issues, including the psychological effects of coronavirus

Alexander Britton
Thursday 21 May 2020 09:09 BST
Comments
Coronavirus: How has sport been affected?

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The men’s professional tennis tour is to work with the charity founded by former Arsenal defender Tony Adams to support players’ mental health.

The ATP said players would be able to contact a 24/7 helpline operated by Sporting Chance to discuss any issues, including the psychological effects of Covid-19.

Arsenal’s former captain set up Sporting Chance in 2000 and provides services for sporting stars who are experiencing emotional problems and require support.

The charity also works with the Premier League, Football Association and Professional Footballers’ Association, as well as cricket and rugby organisations.

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Everyone has been adapting to periods of self-isolation and decreased physical activity during the pandemic, but this can have a particularly detrimental effect on professional athletes who are used to particular training structure and playing day in day out.”

Indian Wells was the first ATP tournament to be called off due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the French Open was postponed and Wimbledon shelved.

Adams said: “The challenges that all sports and sports professionals are experiencing in the light of this pandemic will be affecting all of us in different ways.” PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in