ATP sets up mental health support with Tony Adams's charity Sporting Chance

The announcement comes during Mental Health Awareness week
AFP via Getty Images

The ATP has teamed up with Sporting Chance, the charity founded by former Arsenal defender Tony Adams, to support tennis players' mental health.

Announced during Mental Health Awareness Week, the men's professional tennis tour said players would have access to an around-the-clock helpline to discuss any issues, including the psychological effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

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."

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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