Tennis

Lauren Embree, a former standout tennis player and three-time SEC Player of the Year, has embarked on a second career as a certified functional nutritionist. Inspired by her own health struggles as an athlete, Embree founded Embree Wellness to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to achieve optimal well-being through nutrition.Embree's journey into the world of wellness began when she experienced unexplained health issues despite being a world-class athlete. After consulting with a functional medicine doctor, she discovered the profound impact of nutrition on her immune system and overall health."It opened up my eyes to the power of nutrition and how correlated it is to how you feel," Embree said. "My immune system was on fire because I was just consuming the wrong kinds of foods."Embree's experience led her to identify common nutritional mistakes, including consuming the wrong foods, counting the wrong calories, and neglecting protein intake. Embree Wellness aims to simplify wellness advice and provide personalized guidance to help individuals overcome these challenges."I want to try to make it as simple as possible for people to use the power of nutrition to feel strong," Embree said. "It's just going to be very unique based on your own lifestyle."Embree Wellness offers a lifeline to competitive athletes and active individuals seeking to optimize their nutritional health. Embree believes that early education is crucial for young athletes to avoid the pitfalls she faced in her own career."If I had half the knowledge of what I knew now, I think it would have been helpful in a lot of things," Embree said. "But it's never too late. Now it's time to give that message to college athletes and young athletes, and just get the education in them young, so that they can carry it on a little earlier than we did."

Andy Roddick's Skin Cancer Diagnosis Highlights the Importance of Sun Protection for Tennis PlayersFormer world No. 1 Andy Roddick has revealed that he has been battling skin cancer since retiring from professional tennis. In a recent episode of his podcast, "Served with Andy Roddick," Roddick shared his experience with skin cancer and urged listeners to prioritize sun protection.Roddick's diagnosis came after more than a decade of playing tennis outdoors, where he was exposed to excessive sunlight. He has since had a squamous cell tumor removed from his lip and undergoes regular treatments to prevent further skin damage."It stinks," Roddick said. "I think I'm going to be a general kind of hatchet job for the rest of my life."Roddick's experience serves as a cautionary tale for tennis players and anyone who spends extended periods outdoors. Sun exposure can lead to various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most serious form.To protect themselves, tennis players should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapply it every two hours, and seek shade during peak sun hours. They should also wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses.Encouragingly, there is a growing trend among ATP and WTA Tour players to endorse sunscreen brands. Frances Tiafoe, Madison Keys, and Jannik Sinner are among those who have partnered with sunscreen companies to promote sun protection."Use sunscreen, put sunscreen on your kids especially if they are tennis players," Roddick advised. "The problem won't present itself when the kid is 8, but it might present itself when that kid is grown and is 38."Roddick's message highlights the importance of sun protection for athletes and individuals of all ages. By taking simple precautions, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Asics Brings Tennis to the Heart of Paris with "Rally for the Mind"In the lead-up to the prestigious Roland Garros tournament, Asics, the renowned tennis apparel brand, transformed the iconic Place de la République in Paris into a vibrant tennis court. The "Rally for the Mind" pop-up activation, held on May 23, was a testament to the brand's commitment to promoting health, wellness, and physical activity in the French capital.As part of a two-year partnership with the city of Paris, Asics aimed to inspire Parisians to embrace the transformative power of sports. The event showcased the brand's latest apparel and provided an opportunity for attendees to experience the joy of tennis firsthand. Racquets were distributed to all who stopped by, regardless of their skill level, encouraging them to try the sport and discover its benefits.Several of Asics' pro tour ambassadors graced the event, including Ons Jabeur, Alex de Minaur, Caroline Dolehide, Harriet Dart, Borna Coric, Corentin Moutet, and Diane Parry. These renowned athletes shared their passion for tennis, signed autographs, and posed for selfies with attendees, creating lasting memories.The activation highlighted the positive impact of physical exercise on mental well-being. According to a recent study cited by Asics, 88% of Parisians believe in the benefits of exercise for their psychological health. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and encourage Parisians to prioritize their well-being through physical activity."Asics was founded on the belief that sport and exercise have a positive effect for the body and the mind," said Eddy Ferhi, marketing director of Asics France. "We are proud to continue to be champions of this important message."Ons Jabeur, who recently partnered with Asics, emphasized the connection between physical and mental health. "You can see everywhere, sound mind and sound body, and I'm definitely 300% with that," she said. "I truly wish that being on this court today will bring joy in the minds of others."The "Rally for the Mind" activation was a resounding success, engaging Parisians in the spirit of tennis and promoting the importance of health and well-being. Asics continues to demonstrate its commitment to inspiring people to live healthier, more active lives.