International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women's Tennis Association (WTA), and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Expert Group Statement on Nutrition in High-Performance Tennis. Current Evidence to Inform Practical Recommendations and Guide Future Research
Study Details
This new position stand led by expert representatives from the…
🎾 International Tennis Federation (ITF)
🎾 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)
🎾 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)
…to review the evidence and provide practical recommendations 📚
Here are the key takeaway messages ⬇️
Key Findings
Tennis demands 🎾
📈 High physical, mental, and travel stress
⏱️ Unpredictable matches require flexible nutrition and recovery
Carbohydrates 🍞
🍽️ Training: 3–10 g/kg/day
🥗 Tournaments: 6–10 g/kg/day + 1–4 g/kg pre-match
🥤 During play: 30–90 g/h
Protein 🥩
🥛 1.2–1.8 g/kg/day (higher in some cases), with attention to timing and quality
Micronutrients 🥦
🩸 Iron: risk in females/vegetarians
🌞 Vitamin D: risk in low-sunlight regions
🦴 Calcium: risk in youth/females with amenorrhea
🔎 Monitor and supplement if needed
Low Energy Availability (LEA/REDs) ⚠️
📉 Risk with high load or restricted intake
💢 Leads to health/performance issues
🩺 Early detection and multidisciplinary care essential
Hydration 💧
🥵 Tailor fluid/electrolyte plans to sweat rate
⏰ Adjust to environment and match length
Recovery 🔋
🍚 Refuel with carbs
🥩 Repair with protein
💦 Rehydrate with fluids/electrolytes
Supplements 💊
☕ Caffeine: 3–6 mg/kg, 30–60 min pre-match (avoid >9 mg/kg)
🏋️ Creatine monohydrate: 3–5 g/day (after loading of 20 g/day for 5–7 days if rapid effect needed)
🧪 Sodium bicarbonate: 0.2–0.3 g/kg, 60–180 min pre-match (trial in training due to GI risk)
🔬 Emerging options:
⚡ Beta-alanine: 3–6 g/day for ≥4 weeks
🧂 Sodium citrate: 0.3–0.5 g/kg, 60–180 min pre-match
🍉 Citrulline malate: 6–8 g, 30–60 min pre-match
✅ Always use batch-tested products
Environment & travel 🌍
🔥 Heat/humidity: acclimatization, hydration, cooling
🛫 Travel: illness and food-access risks
Special groups 👩
🩸 Females: Higher risk of LEA, iron deficiency; menstrual cycle considerations
👶 Youth: Growth + training often leads to under-fuelling; need education
♿ Wheelchair players: Unique energy and hydration needs
Research gaps 📚
🔬 Few tennis-specific studies, more targeted research needed
Core principle 🥗
🥦 “Food first” approach
👩⚕️ Supplements secondary, guided by qualified professionals
Reference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40840558/
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