words by Julia Page
With the echoes of the French Open in our ears, Queen‘s tournament in full swing, and Wimbledon just around the corner, tennis is undeniably the thing of the moment. But what is it exactly that makes tennis so hot right now and what is the enduring appeal of the “sport of champions”?
01
Tennis boosts wellness
Tennis is one of the few sports that combines cardiovascular exercise, strength training, coordination, mental agility and social interaction into a single activity. The physical benefits are undeniable. Not only does tennis provide a full body workout, toning the whole body from top to toe, but the nature of the sport, involving repeated bursts of movement, raises the heart rate too, helping to improve overall cardiovascular fitness. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine states that, “tennis improves cardiovascular fitness, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall longevity”. Tennis also helps to build strong bones and muscles, with the weight-bearing and impact nature of the sport stimulating bone growth and studies have shown improved bone mineral density in tennis players across the board. This helps both young players who are still growing, as well as older players who are at risk from osteoporosis later in life. Similarly the reactive nature of the sport, with players constantly reacting to a moving ball, also enhances agility, balance and co-ordination, again protecting from the risk of future falls.
It Builds mental strength
Equally, the mental and cognitive benefits of tennis are significant. Tennis sharpens concentration and decision-making and has been proven to improve cognitive function. The combination of physical activity and strategic thinking required by the game helps to stimulate the brain leading to better memory, faster processing speed and improved focus. Tennis has also been proven to reduce stress and anxiety as the release of endorphins during the game helps to improve mood and support emotional well-being. It also builds mental resilience as players learn to cope with setbacks and recover from mistakes while maintaining focus in challenges situations.
03
It has no age limit
Another brilliant advantage of tennis is that it is accessible at any age and to every skill level, making it a sport that can be enjoyed throughout your entire life. As National GB Player, Lewis Fletcher, explains, “It is called the sport of a lifetime for a reason”. The link between tennis and longevity has also been supported by a landmark study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, which found that tennis players had the greatest increase in life expectancy, with an average gain of 9.7 years compared to any other sport. In fact the indomitable Dame Anna Wintour, who is famously devoted to tennis, at the grand age of 76 still rises at 5:30am each day to play an hour of tennis before she begins her day in earnest. And look where she is at… Global Editorial Director of Vogue and Chief Content Officer for Conde Nast worldwide. And it doesn’t look like she is going anywhere.
04
It’s Naturally sociable
Tennis is also cross generational and so players of all ages can enjoy the game, and its benefits, together. The game is naturally sociable, whether played as singles, doubles or in club, and so it encourages social connection and a sense of community, both of which are known to support mental health and longevity. In other words tennis is for anyone and supports everyone.
05
the style is timeless
Style wise, the link between tennis and fashion continues to be as strong as ever, with Jack Draper modelling – and looking smoking – for Burberry; Jannik Sinner the poster boy for Gucci – he received special permission from the All England Club to take a “beige” Gucci bag onto Centre Court last year; and Roger Federer being the epitome of style and the darling of Anna Wintour herself – who can forget his glorious RF cream blazer and quilted cardigan circa 2008? Tennis fashion unquestionably captures a unique blend of elegance and effortlessness; polished but never overly formal, sporty yet undeniably chic, and an in an era where wellness and luxury increasingly go hand in hand, tennis remains one of fashion’s most enduring inspirations. Wimbledon deserves an entire sub category of its own. In their words, “There is only one Wimbledon”. But in terms of fashion, Wimbledon represents the pinnacle of British summer style and the tournament itself is sponsored by Ralph Lauren. In the fashion stakes think pristine Ralph Lauren clad ball-boys and girls, classic polo shirts, immaculate white kit, crisp linen jackets, pretty floaty dresses, and a strong pair of sunglasses. The mighty strap line of the tournament is, “In pursuit of greatness” and this says it all.
06
strawberries & cream
In fact anything strawberry or creamy will do! We love this recipe by Saskia Gregson-Williams: Vegan Strawberry Chocolate “Cheesecake”! Saskia says: “The list of ingredients for a raw dessert can sometimes be a little daunting to the regular cake maker, as all of a sudden we’re asking you to cook (well, blend) with a lot more whole-foods and a lot less flour/butter/sugar ect. Raw cakes use natures candy in the form of sweet berries, medjool dates, frozen bananas, coconut pieces and agave nectar. Nuts give the crust a bit of a crunch, and are also used for the creamy smooth filling. All these foods on their own are delicious, but together… they will make your taste buds (and the rest of your body) sing. Because this cake is packed with nutritional goodness, you’re satisfied and fuller with far less than you would be a regular glutinous cake, and because it’s stored in the freezer it keeps for longer too!“. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE.
07
the final word on tennis
All in all, tennis is clearly much more than a recreational pastime. It is a joy, a passion, a lifestyle, and an infinitely positive pass-time for the body and soul. It improves heart health, strengthens muscles and bones, sharpens the mind, reduces stress, and fosters social connections. It is accessible to all, and can be enjoyed by all ages throughout your lifetime. It can also take you to many exciting destinations across the world, as well as out into nature by default with a healthy blast of vitamin D on the side. Tennis as an interest in its own right is also of complete equal worth, and the joy that comes from following a gripping match between Rafa and Roger or Serena and Coco, on an immaculate grass court, strawberries and cream in hand, with the hum of the crowd roaring in approval, is unrivalled.
