Tennis

Tennis, hailed as "The World's Healthiest Sport," has garnered widespread recognition for its exceptional health benefits. A comprehensive study conducted in Copenhagen over a 25-year period revealed that tennis players enjoy a remarkable 9.7-year increase in life expectancy compared to sedentary individuals. This compelling finding has become a primary motivator for people to embrace the sport.A recent survey conducted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), YouGov, and Two Circles further corroborates the health-centric appeal of tennis. Among respondents from five major tennis-playing nations, 45% cited health benefits as their primary reason for playing. The social and camaraderie aspects of the sport also emerged as a significant attraction, with 40% of players highlighting its social benefits.The study focused on players and potential players aged 18 and older, examining the role of tennis in their physical and mental well-being. Notably, beginners aged 35-44 were particularly drawn to the sport for its health benefits. Intermediate and advanced players also emphasized improved physical and mental well-being as their primary motivation.Encouragingly, over 75% of casual players (playing less than 10 times annually) expressed a desire to increase their frequency of play. This finding underscores the growing awareness of the health benefits associated with tennis.The ITF's Global Tennis Report, conducted every Olympic year, provides valuable insights into participation trends and other statistics related to the sport. The full findings of the 2024 report will be unveiled at the organization's annual general meeting in Hong Kong in October.

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, has revealed that he has significantly reduced his off-court activities in recent years to prioritize his physical well-being and extend his tennis career.At 33 years old, Dimitrov acknowledges that his body can no longer handle the same level of exertion as it did in his younger days. He has therefore made a conscious effort to maximize his time off the court for rest, rehabilitation, and exercise."I think before I could keep up with a lot more things outside the court and make sure that I come back the next day and I feel like fully ready and have fresh legs, fresh mind," Dimitrov said. "But in the same time now I cannot just walk all around London and come back and expect the next day to be fully at its best."Dimitrov's approach has paid dividends in 2024. He reached the final of the Miami Open, his third ATP Masters 1000 final, and completed the career set of Grand Slam quarterfinals with a run to the last eight in Paris. The Miami run put him back in the Top 10 for the first time in 260 weeks, the third-longest gap in the Open Era.Dimitrov's transformation is a testament to his dedication and professionalism. He understands that to remain competitive at the highest level, he must make sacrifices and prioritize his physical well-being."I think when you want to be the best, when you want to chase that higher end, you really need to maximize that in every corner you possibly can," Dimitrov said. "I don't want to have any stone unturned."Dimitrov's approach is a reminder that even as athletes age, they can still achieve great things if they are willing to adapt and make the necessary sacrifices.