Professional tennis players: They’re just like you and me. Sometimes they take melatonin to try to get some Z’s. In the case of Stefanos Tsitsipas, he thought the sleep aid might have left him too drowsy on the court at the French Open on Tuesday night. Tsitsipas, a 24-year-old from Greece, offered up an unusual explanation for his performance during a 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (5) loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the Grand Slam tournament.
The contest began at about 8:30 p.m. local time and lasted a little more than two hours. Tsitsipas apparently wanted to snooze a bit beforehand.
“One thing that I’m going to try to avoid in the future is (having) melatonin pills and naps before matches,” Tsitsipas said, “because it clearly doesn’t seem to be working.”
Melatonin is a hormone that helps control the body’s sleep cycle. Tsitsipas mentioned that his recent schedule had been challenging, with late-night training sessions, which disrupted his sleep routine. He acknowledged the importance of sleep and recovery, particularly when competing in major tournaments like the French Open.
This is not the first time Tsitsipas has experimented with melatonin before a match. He admitted to taking it prior to a match against Novak Djokovic in 2019 at an indoor tournament in Paris, which resulted in a 6-1, 6-2 loss for Tsitsipas.
While Tsitsipas’ explanation for his performance may seem unusual, it highlights the significance of sleep and recovery in professional sports. Athletes rely on proper rest to perform at their best, both physically and mentally. Disruptions in sleep patterns can impact focus, reaction time, and overall performance on the court.
However, Tsitsipas’ case raises questions about the use of sleep aids in professional sports. Melatonin is a popular over-the-counter supplement used to alleviate sleep problems, but its effects can vary among individuals. While it may help some athletes achieve better sleep, it can potentially cause drowsiness or other unwanted side effects in others.
As with any aspect of performance, finding the right balance and routine is crucial for athletes. Tsitsipas has now learned from his experience and intends to avoid melatonin and napping before matches in the future. It serves as a reminder that even highly skilled and successful athletes encounter challenges and setbacks and must continually adapt and refine their routines to optimize their performance.
In the end, Tsitsipas’ admission sheds light on the complex nature of performance in professional sports. Sleep and recovery play integral roles, and each athlete must find the methods that work best for them. While melatonin may not have been the solution for Tsitsipas, his openness about his experience provides valuable insights into the world of elite tennis and the importance of balancing various aspects of an athlete’s life for optimal performance.