Tennis players embrace nasal strips for better breathing

In the context of the 2024 tennis season, Carlos Alcaraz has contributed to a growing trend among players looking to improve their breathing during matches by wearing nasal strips. The strips, which resemble Band-Aids placed across the nose, are designed to facilitate airflow through the nostrils, initially marketed for reducing snoring. As tennis players compete in high-stakes environments like the French Open, these strips have garnered interest for their potential to enhance performance by improving oxygen intake, albeit scientific evidence remains inconclusive regarding their effectiveness. Players like Nicolás Jarry have pointed out that while initially, there was indifference towards nasal strips, the visibility and endorsement by Alcaraz have sparked curiosity and experimentation among other competitors. Notably, Jarry emphasized that he had been using the strips long before Alcaraz’s endorsement, highlighting how personal necessity can influence the adoption of such trends. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula has expressed a desire to try the strips to alleviate her breathing issues caused by a deviated septum, indicating a potential shift in mindset among players. As the season continues, it remains to be seen whether the use of nasal strips will become a commonplace practice in professional tennis or remain an individual preference among select athletes. The trend may challenge traditional views on what is considered essential gear for athletes, revealing a deeper exploration of personal comfort and performance enhancement.