Players at the U.S. Open are recognizing the importance of napping to enhance their performance, particularly before night matches. Many athletes, regardless of their nationality or ranking, view napping as a crucial part of their routine to stay energized and focused during the tournament.
Some players, like Tatjana Maria from Germany, prioritize resting in the afternoon to prepare for evening matches. Others, such as Zhang Zhizhen from China, take short naps of 10-15 minutes or longer ones of one to two hours to recharge.
While not all tennis players are nappers, those who don't nap often envy their colleagues who do. Some, like Sofia Kenin and Tommy Paul from the United States, struggle to relax before matches due to adrenaline and nerves. On the other hand, Bianca Andreescu from Canada finds that a shot of espresso before a nap helps her wake up refreshed.
Players like Casper Ruud from Norway schedule their naps after breakfast to ensure they are well-rested before their matches. The U.S. Open provides designated nap spaces for players, including lounge chairs, twin beds, and chaise lounges, to facilitate their rest.
Some players, like Denis Shapovalov from Canada, have napped in unconventional places such as locker rooms and tournament restaurants. Leylah Fernandez, a finalist at the 2021 U.S. Open, boasts the ability to sleep anywhere, calling it her 'hidden talent.'
Even during matches, some players, like Nick Kyrgios, have been seen taking brief naps on the sidelines to rejuvenate themselves. Overall, the consensus among players is that napping plays a vital role in their performance and recovery during the U.S. Open.
