“Tennis is not just a job. It is a lifestyle". This is how Serbian Janko Tipsarevic expressed himself many years ago when he was a brilliant active player. Tennis, acclaimed by crowds and practiced by both amateurs and professionals, is a sport that goes beyond technique and strategy and incorporates passion. Every powerful serve, every precise volley and every spectacular return is the result of intense preparation that covers not only the technique and tactics of the game, but also crucial aspects of health and well-being.
Dr. Ángel Ruiz Cotorro, director of the Teknon Tennis Clinic, of the Quirónsalud group, and responsible for the Medical Services of the Billie Jean King Cup of tennis that will be held next week in Seville, addresses the issue. “The professional tennis circuit, with its frenetic pace of travel and tournaments, poses a constant challenge for players.”
The relentless challenge of the professional circuit
Adapting to varied weather conditions, playing surfaces and competition rhythms requires exceptional physical and mental endurance. The constant demands of the circuit can push athletes to the limit, where the limited rest time between competitions amplifies the risk of injury.
Thus, behind each professional tennis player there is a multidisciplinary team. Coach, physical trainer, physiotherapist, doctor, psychologist and nutritionist come together in a joint effort to guarantee that the player is in his or her best shape, both on the court and in his or her normal life off of it.
Dr. Cotorro, who is also responsible for the medical services of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET), points out in this regard that "the physiotherapy that tennis players need is not limited to massages; it is a meticulous work that focuses on understand and treat the athlete's body, preventing injuries and guaranteeing optimal recovery."
Nutrition and mind: the fuel behind every hit
Performance on the track is closely linked to nutrition. A balanced diet, rich in proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats, is essential to maintain energy and endurance during matches. Additionally, hydration plays a crucial role, especially in competitions under extreme heat or humidity conditions. The diet should not only be rich in macronutrients, but also ensure adequate intake of ions such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, essential for muscle contraction.
But beyond physical prowess, a tennis player needs unwavering mental strength. The ability to stay focused, adapt to the opponent's plays, and quickly recover from lost points can make the difference between victory and defeat.
However, in tennis, as in many other sports, the body can betray the mind at critical moments. A recurring problem in tennis practice is cramps, painful and involuntary muscle spasms that usually affect the large muscles of the legs during or after exercise. Or injuries to elbows and shoulders, the most punished parts of the tennis player's body.
Prevention and technology, the pillars of a successful career
Prevention is essential in the world of tennis. Proper warm-ups, post-game stretches and choosing the appropriate equipment in each case are essential for everything to work. According to the experts at the Teknon Tennis Clinic, prevention is the primary tool to reduce the risk of injuries. Medical examination is essential to determine an athlete's fitness to practice sports, and includes everything from the collection of personal data and medical history to a detailed examination of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system.
But, in addition, technological advancement has transformed training in the world of tennis. From movement tracking and measurement devices to highly advanced programs that were unthinkable a few years ago, tennis players now have sophisticated tools to perfect every detail of their technique, through a deeper and more analytical perspective of their game.
Tennis, as a sport, never stops evolving. Backed by science, sports medicine and technology, today's tennis players are better prepared than ever. With proper training, regular medical care and an unwavering passion for the game, they are ready to face any challenge that arises on the court, proving that tennis is much more than a sport: it is an unbeatable mix of dedication, effort and passion. .
The imminent celebration of the WTA Billie Jean King Cup will be a perfect opportunity for, as Dr. Cotorro points out, “for the players to feel cared for in all the complex aspects of the competition.” Victory will depend on them.
