Bon Jour from the French Open! Lessons in Grit, Determination, and Performance

Attending the French Open has always been a bucket list dream of mine as a tennis player. Recollections of past greatness (Borg, McEnroe, The Williams Sisters and of course - THE GOAT - Rafael Nadal!) are met with anticipation of seeing the next generation take on the pinnacle of the clay court season - Roland Garros. This year, I finally had the opportunity to witness the raw talent and intense competition on the stunning and intimate red clay courts of this legendary tournament. What I experienced there was nothing short of inspiring.

The Grit and Determination of Elite Athletes

The French Open is renowned for its demanding playing conditions. The clay surface is so unforgiving, requiring athletes to demonstrate not only physical prowess and physical resilience,  but also exceptional mental fortitude. Clay is a beguiling surface, play usually results in longer rallies, weird bounces and soul crushing drop shots. Watching these elite athletes literally fight for every point, slide gracefully across the clay, and recover quickly from grueling rallies was a testament to their grit and determination. Each match showcased their unwavering commitment to excellence, reminding me of the profound strength and endurance of the human spirit.

Observing Pre-Play Warmup Routines

As a physical therapist, I couldn't help but observe the intricate warmup routines of the athletes (Looking at you Ben Shelton!) It was fascinating to see the variety of plyometric exercises, balance and agility drills they performed. These routines are crucial for enhancing explosiveness, agility, and stability on the court. Plyometric exercises, such as jump squats and lateral bounds, were common, emphasizing the need for powerful lower body strength. Balance routines, including single-leg stands and dynamic balance exercises highlighted the importance of maintaining control and precision during play.

Surprising Warmup Routines -  Ball Girls and Boys!!!

To my pleasant surprise, even the ball girls and boys had their own specific warm up routines. Their role might seem straightforward, but it demands quick reflexes, agility, and stamina. Watching these young individuals perform their warmups with dedication everywhere we went was a reminder that every role in a major tournament requires preparation and focus. Interestingly enough, the ball girl/boy teams were also swapped out every hour. It was heartening to see that the organizers prioritize the well-being and performance of everyone involved in the event.

Athletes Fighting Through Injury and Mobility Issues

Despite the rigorous training and preparation, injuries and mobility issues are an inevitable part of professional sports. The French Open was no exception. I observed many athletes dealing with various physical challenges, from minor sprains, nausea, cramping and severe foot blisters to even more significant injuries that led to surprising “walkover” wins. It was a stark reminder of the toll that high-level competition takes on the body. However, it was also inspiring to see how these athletes manage their conditions with the help of their medical and support teams. Their ability to push through pain and adapt their play was a testament to their resilience and commitment. The Djokovic/Musetti match I watched was also an interesting lesson in perseverance. Novak deserves a lot of credit for pushing through severe illness to win a 4.5 hour marathon against a young and inspiring Lorenzo Musetti. Djokovic has long been known as a great example of how meticulous, innovative and relentless conditioning can help one stem the tide of age against the never ending current of youth.

Assessing Biomechanics Everywhere

As a physical therapist, it's hard not to constantly assess biomechanics, no matter where I am. Watching the players, I couldn't help but analyze their movement, posture, and technique. Many athletes exhibited near-perfect biomechanics, a result of years of intense training and conditioning. However, I also noticed some instances of suboptimal movement patterns, restricted mobility and poor posture often a consequence of fatigue or underlying issues. These observations reinforced the importance of continuous assessment and adjustment in maintaining peak performance and preventing injuries.

Takeaways and Reflections

My visit to the French Open was more than just a chance to watch world-class tennis. It was an enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for the athleticism, dedication, and resilience of these elite competitors. It also provided valuable insights into the importance of comprehensive warm up routines, the necessity of addressing injuries promptly, and the role of constant attention to biomechanics in performance and injury prevention.

As I head back,  I am inspired to incorporate some of the training techniques I observed into my clients' routines and talk with the team about how we can support the athletic pursuits of our clients. There is much we can learn from their approaches that we can incorporate into our treatment and training programs and as our clients - we hope you take them to heart! It is truly not enough to just play the sport you love: whether you want to level up your game, or just stay injury free - incorporating more focus on your biomechanics and strengthening of small, supportive muscle groups will yield significant results!

This trip reminded me that the pursuit of excellence is a journey filled with challenges - but with grit, determination, and the right support, anything is possible. If you have sport-specific challenges or goals in mind, share them with your therapist and together we can build a bespoke program that enhances both your performance and enjoyment of your chosen sport!

With love from Paris, 

Tamar