Tennis Players at the US Open Prioritize Rest by Taking Naps Before Late Matches

Plenty of tennis players at the U.S. Open emphasize the importance of taking a good nap, especially before a night match. Players from different countries, rankings, and ages recognize the benefits of getting some extra sleep during the tournament. Whether it’s in a hotel or in designated rest areas like the “Player Quiet Room,” athletes value the rejuvenating effects of napping to ensure they are ready for their matches that can start as early as 11 a.m. or as late as 11 p.m.

Tatjana Maria, a 37-year-old tennis player from Germany, highlighted the necessity of resting in the afternoon to prepare for evening matches. She is not alone in this practice among athletes who see napping as essential for maintaining peak performance. While not all tennis players are nappers, many envy their colleagues who can easily doze off before a match.

Some players, like Zhang Zhizhen from China, take short naps to recharge their energy levels during the day. On the other hand, some players, such as Sofia Kenin and Clara Tauson, struggle to relax before matches due to adrenaline and nerves, making napping a challenge. Donna Vekic and Bianca Andreescu have their own unique approaches to napping, with Vekic only napping when feeling completely exhausted and Andreescu combining espresso shots with short naps to feel refreshed.

Notably, Casper Ruud, a top-ranked player from Norway, takes longer naps of one to two hours after breakfast to prepare for matches scheduled later in the day. Other players, like Denis Shapovalov and Leylah Fernandez, are more flexible about where they nap, utilizing any available space to catch up on sleep. Even Nick Kyrgios demonstrated the art of napping during a match, showing that a quick rest can be beneficial even in the midst of competition.

Overall, napping has become a common practice among tennis players at the U.S. Open, with many recognizing its positive impact on their performance and overall well-being during the tournament.