Why Do Tennis Players Eat Bananas?

Bananas!

It’s very common to see a tennis player reach for a banana before or during his or her match.

Although some find it easier to open than others 🙂

Many people who love the sport but don’t play tennis wonder what makes this fruit so special and why it seems to be the snack of choice for tennis players around the world.

Overview

All athletes know that refueling during games or matches and keeping their bodies functional at peak performance is important and tennis is no different.

Tennis players must make sure that they have the energy necessary to power through the rest of their games and they can get the power that they need by eating bananas.

Pros and Cons of Eating Bananas

Eating bananas is something that most athletes do. One of the main pros of consuming these fruits before or during tennis matches is that they are light and easy to digest.

Additionally, they are a great way for players to refuel quickly as they provide carbs and potassium.

Since bananas have so much potassium and so many carbohydrates packed into them, it makes sense that they would be the food that athletes reach for during a grueling match.

Additionally, bananas are loaded with minerals and important vitamins that are great for improving overall health, augmenting muscle response, and providing fast energy.

There have actually been studies that show that bananas are more effective at replenishing electrolytes and energy than sports drinks are.

They are known for helping improve athletic performance across the board, no matter what sport an athlete participates in, which is why they are also often offered for refueling at runs and charity walks.

Unfortunately, as with any food, too much of a good thing can be bad. When anyone overeats bananas, then this can trigger sleepiness, cause headaches, and even lead to tooth decay due to their high sugar content.

However, this is very unlikely to occur when athletes are only eating bananas before and during their matches!

What other foods do tennis players eat?

Aside from bananas, dates are a great way to give you a quick boost of energy without increasing your blood sugar level. This makes them a perfect choice of food for tennis. Novak Djokovic is a big fan of eating them during matches.

Before the game, pasta and chicken with plenty of vegetables are great for storing up some energy before you play. Just make sure not to eat such a big meal right before you go on the court. Your body needs time to digest everything, so aim to eat 2 to 3 hours beforehand.