Why do tennis players drink from 2 bottles?

 If you've ever watched a professional tennis match, you've probably noticed that during breaks, top players often drink from at least 2 different bottles, now why is that, and what's in these bottles?

Now this may come as a surprise to some, but top level tennis is very unpredictable, and matches can last from 1 to 3+ hours, often under extreme conditions, such as high heat or humidity.

Players lose significant amounts of fluids and essential electrolytes through sweat. If they don’t properly hydrate, dehydration can set in and cause fatigue, slower reaction times, and even muscle cramps.

What's in the 2 bottles?

1. Water for Basic Hydration

Water helps to maintain fluid balance in the body and keeps the player hydrated. It’s essential for regulating body temperature and ensuring that cells function properly. However, water alone can’t replace the electrolytes lost through sweat.

2. Sports Drink for Electrolytes and Energy

The second bottle often contains a sports drink, which is packed with electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals are crucial for muscle function and preventing cramps. Sports drinks may also contain carbohydrates to provide an energy boost, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable and maintain energy during long matches.

What’s in the Sports Drink?

The specific contents of the second bottle vary, but typically, it includes:

Electrolytes such as: Sodium (Helps retain fluid, replace salt lost in sweat, and maintain nerve function) Potassium (Essential for muscle contraction and preventing cramps) Magnesium (Important for energy production and muscle recovery).

Carbohydrates (Sugars) provide quick, easily digestible energy. During intense rallies and long sets, muscles need glycogen (a stored form of glucose) for fuel, and sports drinks help replenish these energy stores.

Amino Acids (Optional)as some players prefer to add amino acids like BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) to their drinks.

Conclusion

Many professional tennis players work with nutritionists and trainers to determine their ideal hydration strategy. They perform sweat tests to measure how much fluid and sodium a player loses during a match. Based on the results, they can customize the player’s drinks to ensure they are replacing fluids and electrolytes effectively.