Alright, let me tell you about my little experiment today. So, I’ve always been curious about what tennis players eat during matches, you know, to keep their energy up and all. Today, I decided to put myself in their shoes, quite literally, and see what all the fuss is about.
I started my day with a solid breakfast. I read somewhere that complex carbs are the way to go for sustained energy. So, I cooked some oatmeal, threw in some berries and a banana, you know, the usual. I felt pretty good, ready to take on the world, or at least a tennis ball.

Then I headed to the court and started playing. After about an hour, I started feeling that familiar dip in energy. I remembered reading that simple carbs are good for a quick boost, so I tried one of those energy gels. It tasted… interesting, to say the least, but I did feel a bit more energized.
Later, as the match went on, I grabbed a banana. It was like a little piece of heaven, to be honest. Much better than the gel, and it seemed to do the trick. I also tried some small sandwiches with peanut butter I had read that protein and healthy fat could help for long matches, and it was a pretty good idea. I drank some water during the whole time, and I felt great after that.
Here’s what I ate in total:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and a banana.
- Mid-match snacks: One energy gel, two bananas, some sandwiches.
- Drinks: Water, water, and more water.
After the match, I wasn’t as wiped out as I usually am. I mean, I was tired, don’t get me wrong, but it was a good kind of tired, not the “I’m going to collapse” kind.
My Takeaway
So, what did I learn from this little experiment? Well, it seems like those tennis pros are onto something. Eating the right stuff during a match really does make a difference. I felt more energized, more focused, and less like I was running on fumes. Will I do this every time I play? Maybe not, but for those longer, more intense matches, I think I’ll be packing some bananas and maybe even another one of those weird-tasting gels. It’s all about finding what works for you, right?

Anyway, that’s my experience. Not exactly scientific, but hey, it was fun, and I felt pretty good afterward. Maybe give it a try sometime and see how it works for you. You might be surprised!