Tennis Is An Unhealthy Sport

Tennis is basically my life. I just finished playing two sets in the middle of the day in the heat and I am dead. I'm dead, but I love doing it because it feels very rewarding afterwards. In my opinion, I feel like tennis reveals your character, it doesn't build your character, it reveals it. Whether you can make it through difficult times or not, some people can't and their tennis reflects that. This is exactly one of the many reasons why I love it so much.

However, I came to the conclusion that tennis is really unhealthy. It is simply full of injuries and physical struggles. Hence, in this article, we will look into what exactly makes tennis so unhealthy and ways to lower the toll it has on your body.

The Injured Player

To start things off, I'm going to read you something and you're going to recognize what it is once I start reading. I'm going to start listing injuries of a specific player on tour.

In 2007, he had a right forearm injury. In 2014, it was his right wrist. In 2006, he suffered a left shoulder injury. That same year, he also had a back injury. In 2009 and 2018, he faced injuries to his back again.

In 2022, he had an abdomen injury. The year 2018 brought a right hip injury. In 2011, it was his left thigh. Between 2004 and 2006, he had injuries to his left foot. In 2015, a right ankle injury occurred. The years 2009 and 2012 saw injuries to his left knee.

In 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, and 2018, he faced injuries to his right knee. The year 2007 brought a right thigh injury. In 2016, he had a left wrist injury. In 2003, it was his left elbow.

I'm sure you know who I'm talking about; I'm talking about Rafa Nadal. Can you imagine any profession where you can sustain as many injuries?

While I acknowledge that there are other sports that can be unhealthy and cause injuries; such as football, boxing, or wrestling, I don't mean to imply that tennis is the only sport that takes a toll on the body. However, the nature of how tennis is played does make it particularly challenging.

Playing At The Elite Level

Let's understand what you have to do if you play tennis at the elite level. You basically have to cover the court, sprint, and change directions at an incredibly fast speed. It requires immense physical agility and endurance.

Not only that, but you also have to utilize all your mechanics, all your strokes, in order to win the point. Each shot requires precision and skill. The level of technical proficiency needed is demanding.

From a mental standpoint, there's a lot of pressure in tennis. Every point matters, and the ability to stay focused and handle the pressure is crucial. The mental aspect of the game can be exhausting and draining for players.

When you put all these factors together - the physical demands, the technical requirements, and the mental pressure - it becomes clear why tennis can be so challenging and why injuries are not uncommon among elite players.

A Busy Schedule

With the way tennis scoring works, matches can sometimes stretch for several hours. Players can find themselves on the court for four, five, six, or even seven hours.

An extreme example is the famous match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010, which lasted for 11 hours and 5 minutes over the course of three days.

But that's not the end of it. Winning a match doesn't mean the players can relax. They might have to return to the court the same day to play doubles or come back the next day to compete again. The tournament schedules these days are so relentless.

Now, it's not just one tournament. The rigorous nature of professional tennis means that players have a packed schedule throughout the year. Even after one tournament ends, there's usually little time for rest before they move on to the next one. The demands continue throughout their careers.

Many people tend to overlook the fact that the players they see on TV have dedicated their lives to tennis. It's a continuous journey of training, competing, and pushing themselves to the limit.

Competing At A Club

For players who have competed at a college level or in the prize money club system in Europe, the physical toll may still be significant. While the financial resources and support available at this level may not be as extensive as in professional tennis, the demands are the same.

Unlike elite players who have access to physiotherapists and other support staff, players at your level often have limited resources. It can be challenging to afford professional assistance for recovery and injury prevention.

Managing your body's needs, listening to any signs of discomfort, and taking appropriate measures for recovery become crucial aspects of playing at this level.

Weekend Warriors?

It is without a doubt that tennis is an extremely unhealthy sport if you play at a high level. However, there is an important question and this is probably what you're wondering if you clicked on this article. How about the recreational level?

Here it's going to be completely different. Here, tennis is going to be a super healthy activity to participate in.

Why do I say that? Well, you don't have to play the hundreds or thousands of matches that are going to eventually destroy your body. You're going to play some matches where you won't play at that high level.

The speed of the ball is going to be slower, you're going to have more time to get to the ball, and your body is not going to get tested anywhere near as much as it does at the high level.

This is true for singles, and it's especially true for doubles. Here you have to cover only half of the court. So naturally, if you play tennis, it's going to be a super healthy exercise to do for players of all ages.

Dedicating Your Time

So let's say, for example, that you have plenty of time and plenty of money, and you decide to play tennis two to three hours a day, every day.

Naturally, what will happen is that you will overuse your body. It's natural for things to go wrong here and there, and you might experience some nagging injuries due to overuse.

However, the good news is that the therapies available for injuries have improved tremendously. They will allow you to get back onto the tennis court fully recovered.

Just be patient when you get injured. Remember that at the high level, dealing with injuries is normal and something that every player has to go through. Even at the recreational level, you'll need to have the same patience.

Don't get frustrated or give up on tennis. Take your time and utilize all the resources available in today's modern medicine. Keep your eyes set on the day you can be back on the tennis court, fully recovered and ready to play.

Staying In Shape

Another piece of advice I want to share is the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Being physically fit and trim can have a significant impact on your tennis performance and overall well-being.

Obesity and being overweight are prevalent issues, with statistics showing a high percentage of people falling into these categories. Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on your body, making you more susceptible to injuries.

It may also limit your ability to play singles, and you may find doubles to be a more suitable option. However, I am aware that this isn’t the path that many players wish to take.

Final Thoughts

I would like to clarify that the reason I wrote this article is not to discourage you from playing tennis. My goal is to provide an honest and truthful perspective on the potential health risks involved. Tennis can be an intense and demanding sport that pushes your body to its limits, increasing the likelihood of injuries. However, I want to emphasize that at the recreational level, tennis is still an enjoyable and healthy activity to participate in.

By staying trim and maintaining a healthy weight, you can prolong your tennis career and play pain-free. Perhaps in the future I will understand what people mean by saying it must feel great to be young. Hopefully, that day never comes.