Tennis is a game of nuance, rallies, stamina, and mental grit. Recently, elite players Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, from different backgrounds and struggles, have converged on an unlikely tool: nasal strips.
Two Tennis Talents, One Surprise Discovery
Carlos Alcaraz didn’t set out to make a statement when he stepped onto the court at the 2025 Rotterdam Open wearing a nasal strip. Battling a lingering cold, he was just looking for a way to breathe a little easier during long rallies. But match after match, as he pushed through the draw and into the finals, the strip stayed on, and soon, it wasn’t just about recovery. “I kept it on as a bit of a superstition,” he joked, but beneath the humor was a simple truth: he felt better with it.
Casper Ruud’s journey was a little different. In the middle of a grueling training block, he was searching for anything to improve his sleep and post-session recovery. One impulse online order later, he had a handful of nasal strips in hand. What started as a small fix at night quickly revealed big benefits on the court, deeper breathing, steadier focus, and just a bit more in the tank when it counted. “It’s not revolutionary,” he said, “but it helps.”
Different athletes, yes, Alcaraz with his explosive baseline game, Ruud with his calm, methodical grit. But they’ve both landed on the same surprising edge. A strip of magnetic plastic that helps them breathe a little deeper, recover a little faster, and perform just a bit better. Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
How Nasal Strips Optimize Tennis Performance
Nasal strips work mechanically, lifting the nose to improve airflow, yielding several court-side benefits:
- Improved Oxygen Efficiency
Better nasal flow enhances lung oxygen uptake—essential for long rallies and critical points. - Faster Recovery Between Points
Players report quicker heart rate drops and fresher legs when breathing through the nose. - Enhanced Focus & Calm
Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic system, calming nerves—a clue to Alcaraz's note on superstitious calmness.
With tennis’s hybrid demands of power and endurance, even modest breathing gains can make a significant difference.
Integrating Nasal Strips: Pro Routine Breakdown
The approach from both players shows a multi-phase trial and integration model:
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Start with Sleep or Wellness Alcaraz used his strip to aid breathing while fighting a cold; Ruud to wake without congestion during winter in Norway.
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Test in Training Ruud noticed improved respiration during practice; Alcaraz carried forward mental calm.
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Bring It On Tour Both adopted it during matches at Rotterdam and Dallas. Alcaraz made it a game-day ritual; Ruud embraced it after noticing enhanced breathing.
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Stick With It Their commitment across tournament weeks highlight the strips' comulative value.
Science vs. Perception
“In high-stakes rallies or long matches, even a 2-3% boost in breathing efficiency can mean staying sharp on the fifth breakpoint.”
Studies show mixed benefits for athletic performance, but perceived improvement is powerful. For elite athletes, knowing they breathe better can boost confidence, control, and output
Try It Like a Pro
Want to explore nasal-strip benefits?
- Use at night for breathing and sleep quality.
- Train with it under pressure during practice.
- Wear during matches for consistent breathing and calm.
- Treat it as a mental ritual—comfort breeds confidence.
In sport’s margins, consistent breathing can be game-winning. Take a cue from top pros: Explore Intake Breathing nasal strips—designed for comfort, performance, and real results.
