I am scheduled to possibly play 5 matches tomorrow in 95* heat. Any advice?

X

ximian

Rookie
So for the first time, I'm in the Open Singles, Open Doubles, and Open Mixed draws.

The playing schedule is brutal: 8:00, 11:00, 12:30, 2:00, 3:30. Oh, and its supposed to be 95* tomorrow.

I think I'll be crippled by tomorrow night, and I might have to play more on Sunday! Anyway, any advice as far as how to prepare physically? I plan on drinking a lot of water, getting a good night's rest, winning in straight sets, and eating a bunch of bananas tomorrow.

How would you prepare? What would you eat? Any intangibles? Give me your best plan! Thanks.
 
G

gatorbait01

Rookie
Ha, ha, if that's not a joke then get online and check for warning signs of heat stroke. Sorry, but I would refuse unless doubles is really that much easier than singles. (Don't play doubles)
 
G

gatorbait01

Rookie
In the florida summers I've twice (looking back) played in conditions too hot to be safe. Thankfully, nothing more than dehydration and maby sun poisening. Heat stroke is rare, but deadly and nothing to mess around with. I won't play in those conditions any longer
 
Topaz

Topaz

Legend
Is this tournament sanctioned by USTA? If so, they have rules regarding how many matches you can play in one day (depending on age...usually no more than two singles and one doubles).

In the future, though, you might not want to sign up for so many divisions. Though, listed five matches but you are only in 3 divisions...are two of them round robins instead of single elimination?
 
X

ximian

Rookie
We're talking West Coast, and yeah it's sanctioned by the USTA. This is the first time I'll be playing 3 events, and I think I picked the wrong tournament, considering the conditions.

Yes, 5 matches, but I should win my first singles match, and most likely one of the doubles. At the very least, 3 matches, at the very most, 5. Honestly, I think I'm going to be holding up the tournament. 12:30 is my first doubles match, and depending on when I get done with my 11:00 singles match, I'm going to need at least a little bit of time to recover. That will push the 12:30 match back, and all the subsequent matches as well. I suspect I'll be on and off the court until late tomorrow.

But how would you prepare? Drink a lot of fluids obviously, but I'm also curious about my diet - what to eat tomorrow. I plan on bringing a cooler, buying a bag of ice, and putting a bunch of washclothes in there and bringing it on court to cool me down too.
 
skiracer55

skiracer55

Hall of Fame
What they said...

...it's pretty loony, but it's not undoable, nor is it that out-of-round for players in the Open divisions. Most of them play singles, doubls, and mixed doubs. One thing, and I don't mean this the way it sounds, but if you're in 3 divisions with 5 matches...well, you have to win a couple of matches to play 5. I hope you do, but if not, then you don't have as many matches to play, and you can focus on the ones you do have to play. If it were me, I'd get up around 6, have a short run, shower, and eat a good breakfast with some protein. I don't like eating much in the heat, so I usually do it this way, and eat Power Bars, or whatever works for you, pretty much all day long. The most important thing, of course, is hydrating. Start drinking water, Gatorade, or whatever, early in the morning and don't stop.

Next, you'll be freshest for your 8 a. m. match, which I'm guessing is singles, so if at all possible, come out smoking and try to win this one quickly. If you can get it done by 9 or a little after, for example, you now have two hours to get out of the sun, take a shower, get a bite to eat, rehydrate, etc.

Second, with marathon schedules like this, it's pretty usual for doubles partners to figure out who's the weariest before the match and try to let the other one carry the match as much as possible. The better you can shorten the points and shorten the match, which is usually a possibility in doubles, the better off you're likely to be.


Third, your early p. m. match is likely to be the worst. You've played two matches, the sun is at it's height, and so forth. At this point, hopefully you've eaten, hydrated, and rested between matches properly so you're not on fumes and can do the best you can....

Good luck!
 
N

Nellie

Hall of Fame
Start drinking water now and keep on drinking.

Tomorrrow, brink an umbrella and stay in the shade as much as possible, and some frozen water bottles to cool you down.
 
Mick

Mick

Legend
if you are fitter than your opponents then it shouldn't be too bad. they would drop out before you do :)
 
Lakers4Life

Lakers4Life

Hall of Fame
ximian said:
But how would you prepare? Drink a lot of fluids obviously, but I'm also curious about my diet - what to eat tomorrow. I plan on bringing a cooler, buying a bag of ice, and putting a bunch of washclothes in there and bringing it on court to cool me down too.
Click to expand...

When I know I'm going to be playing on a hot day, I put bottled water and whatever sport drink in the freezer the night before. Put them in my cooler or cool tote. Take one out and let the heat slowly melt it back to liquid. You don't want to try crushing ice in a bottle, when you really need liquid.

Drink before the match, but not so much as you have to pee right away. Drink as much as you can during the match, between changeovers. Have a banana between matches and some trial mix (if you are not alergic to nuts). Take a Motrin afterwards.

Don't forget to have a good time!
 
Last edited:
Topaz

Topaz

Legend
ximian said:
We're talking West Coast, and yeah it's sanctioned by the USTA. This is the first time I'll be playing 3 events, and I think I picked the wrong tournament, considering the conditions.

Yes, 5 matches, but I should win my first singles match, and most likely one of the doubles. At the very least, 3 matches, at the very most, 5. Honestly, I think I'm going to be holding up the tournament. 12:30 is my first doubles match, and depending on when I get done with my 11:00 singles match, I'm going to need at least a little bit of time to recover. That will push the 12:30 match back, and all the subsequent matches as well. I suspect I'll be on and off the court until late tomorrow.

But how would you prepare? Drink a lot of fluids obviously, but I'm also curious about my diet - what to eat tomorrow. I plan on bringing a cooler, buying a bag of ice, and putting a bunch of washclothes in there and bringing it on court to cool me down too.
Click to expand...

Well, you could dig your heels in and refuse to play past the limit in the rules (which the officials should be well aware of). Though, like skiracer said, don't count your chickens before they're hatched.

It isn't unusual for them to move matches to give players rest, either.

Carb up tonight...eat pasta until you think you're going to burst. Get a good, solid night's sleep. Hydrate, but you're also going to need electrolyte replacement. Take bananas with you, maybe some bagels and nuts. Even something like GU gels and sport beans might be good for you tomorrow.

Also, fresh socks and clothes! If you have more than one pair of shoes, take them and rotate them between matches.

And, again, make sure your doubles partners know that they will have to help you out a bit.

Good luck!
 
S

saeta119

New User
Choose your poison really, you MAY play them all, but I don't suggest it.

SURRRREEEE, you might be able to win your singles / doubles and mixed, but after that, how WELL are you going to be to play your next singles match?

give priorities to whatever you consider more important, or where you feel you have a better chance to advance.
 
X

ximian

Rookie
Great, thanks for the advice guys.

So what can I eat / drink to avoid cramping up? Dill pickle juice was mentioned, and I know Gatorate and other electrolytes would help. Bananas I'm sure would also help. Anything else?
 
Exile

Exile

Professional
I play in 110 degree heat and exreme humidity. Just learn how to stay cool and don't worry too much.
 
onehandbh

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
B/c you will have little time to eat. you will have to be constantly snacking/eating to have enough energy.

Don't forget to put on sunscreen and reapply it several times
during the day.

I think it's doable. Just don't get too crazy trying to cover a lot
of court in your mixed doubles match. remember to not just
drink water but liquids w/electrolytes, too.

Sounds like fun.
 
C

ChuDat

Professional
main thing drinks lots of water, don't worry just focus on 1 match at a time and lastly ANNIHILATE!! your opponent.
 
onehandbh

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
skiracer55 said:
...if at all possible, come out smoking and try to win this one quickly.
Good luck!
Click to expand...

LOL. Good one. Although some people like to light up when it's hot out --
just not tobacco... I've only met ximian once, but I would be willing to bet
that he doesn't smoke.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
ximian said:
We're talking West Coast, and yeah it's sanctioned by the USTA. This is the first time I'll be playing 3 events, and I think I picked the wrong tournament, considering the conditions.

Yes, 5 matches, but I should win my first singles match, and most likely one of the doubles. At the very least, 3 matches, at the very most, 5. Honestly, I think I'm going to be holding up the tournament. 12:30 is my first doubles match, and depending on when I get done with my 11:00 singles match, I'm going to need at least a little bit of time to recover. That will push the 12:30 match back, and all the subsequent matches as well. I suspect I'll be on and off the court until late tomorrow.

But how would you prepare? Drink a lot of fluids obviously, but I'm also curious about my diet - what to eat tomorrow. I plan on bringing a cooler, buying a bag of ice, and putting a bunch of washclothes in there and bringing it on court to cool me down too.
Click to expand...

There's a USTA event happening in SD this weekend, too.
 
LuckyR

LuckyR

Legend
You are going to fluid load, obviously. What may escape you would be to salt load the day before and consider reloading during the match day. Pickle juice is great for that, but there is nothing magical about it. Pretzels will work just as well. Having salt tabs around is reasonable, your chance of needing them is low, but if you do, you will be glad you had them.
 
R

raiden031

Legend
When I was at Nationals, I played 6 matches (3 singles, 3 doubles) in 3 days in 90+ degree heat. My body was so burnt out I had a massive muscle cramp in my quad when I tried to get out of the car at the airport. I was physically and mentally burnt from tennis for a few days after that. 5 matches in one day is alot. Three is doable if they're not all singles, but 5 is insane.
 
X

ximian

Rookie
Well I survived. It actually didn't turn out that bad.

First singles match was an easy double bagel. Off the court in an hour and not a lot of strenuous movement. Basically a good, elongated warm up. Second singles match was against the #2 seed, a tough player. I came out well, won the first set, but lost the next two by a break. Ugh, it was a marathon match and that left me exhausted. Doubles didn't go to well considering my low energy level, but I did alright. Mixed doubles was a similar story (we played the #1 seed too, so that didn't help). Right now I'm absolutely exhausted, but happy to report no injuries, heat stroke, or anything else. Still have at least one match to play tomorrow... we'll see how I feel in the morning!
 
G

gatorbait01

Rookie
^^ Wow, that's insane. How old are you? I remember in high school here in FL we would sometimes play double headers in the summer. Now this is baseball which is FAR less demanding than tennis and it was still brutal just being out in the sun for like 5-6 hrs. Thankfully no injuries.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
ximian said:
Well I survived. It actually didn't turn out that bad.

First singles match was an easy double bagel. Off the court in an hour and not a lot of strenuous movement. Basically a good, elongated warm up. Second singles match was against the #2 seed, a tough player. I came out well, won the first set, but lost the next two by a break. Ugh, it was a marathon match and that left me exhausted. Doubles didn't go to well considering my low energy level, but I did alright. Mixed doubles was a similar story (we played the #1 seed too, so that didn't help). Right now I'm absolutely exhausted, but happy to report no injuries, heat stroke, or anything else. Still have at least one match to play tomorrow... we'll see how I feel in the morning!
Click to expand...

Are you in Cali? The humidity has been obscene, lately!

Today was the first day I've ever had to play with an overgrip on my leather grip. I couldn't keep the sucker dry... it reminded me of Florida.
 
ttbrowne

ttbrowne

Hall of Fame
Never miss an opportunity to sit during changeovers! You'd be surprised how much this helps. Before doubles, explain to your partner that you need all the rest time possible so you guys ought to sit. Don't do a quick changeover. Your body will thank you for it.
 
HookEmJeff

HookEmJeff

Semi-Pro
ttbrowne said:
Never miss an opportunity to sit during changeovers! You'd be surprised how much this helps. Before doubles, explain to your partner that you need all the rest time possible so you guys ought to sit. Don't do a quick changeover. Your body will thank you for it.
Click to expand...

And "go to the towel" after every point. Sometimes you actually have to, when you're sweating that much. But, it also helps slow you down, get a small bit of rest... as well as get your head straight.


Jeff
 
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