International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Expert Group Statement on Nutrition in High-Performance Tennis. Current Evidence to Inform Practical Recommendations and Guide Future Research

2025/08/21 by Néstor Vicente-Salar, Miguel Crespo, Babette M Pluim +21 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Muscle metabolism and nutrition #Sports Performance and Training #Thermoregulation and physiological responses

paper · doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2025-0001

openalex publication_date 2025/08/21 · openalex created_date 2025/08/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25

Abstract

The sport of tennis involves unique nutritional demands for the physical and technical aspects of match play and training, as well as the nutritional challenges associated with extensive travel and a lengthy competition calendar. An expert group assembled by The International Tennis Federation, the Women's Tennis Association, and the Association of Tennis Professionals has produced a scientific review of current evidence to inform practical recommendations for high-performance tennis. The narrative summary considers the diversity within the tennis community, including male and female players, youth players, and wheelchair players. The Expert Group Statement addresses nine specific topics: (a) introduction to tennis; (b) physiological characteristics of tennis training and match play; (c) training nutrition; (d) body composition, low energy availability, and relative energy deficiency in sport; (e) match-day nutrition; (f) dietary supplements for tennis performance; (g) environmental and travel issues; (h) nutrition guidelines during periods of illness and injury rehabilitation; and (i) special population groups. The statement advocates for an evidence-based approach to nutrition in high-performance tennis and emphasizes a "food first" philosophy, prioritizing food over supplements to meet nutrient requirements effectively. In recognition of the benefits of sound nutrition, strategies in supporting health and performance over a player's career, academies, national federations, and international organizations are encouraged to engage professionals with appropriate nutrition-related qualifications and professional registrations to support players effectively.

Citations

• Iron bioavailability and dietary reference values
• The association of environmental heat stress with performance: analysis of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
• Matchplay characteristics of Grand Slam tennis: implications for training and conditioning
• Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis
• Administration of Caffeine in Alternate Forms
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• Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm
• UEFA expert group statement on nutrition in elite football. Current evidence to inform practical recommendations and guide future research
• Methodological Considerations for Studies in Sport and Exercise Science with Women as Participants: A Working Guide for Standards of Practice for Research on Women
• The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis
• 2023 International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)
• Mapping the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): development of a physiological model by a subgroup of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Consensus on REDs
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Discussions

• Last but by no means least in our November issue is this free access paper by Vicente-Salar et al. (2025) - a one of a kind group statement on nutrition in high-performance tennis 🎾 Give it a read h [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]