"How The Top Players Have Beaten The Heat At This Year’s US Open" - Alyssa Roenigk
Extreme heat can wreak havoc on a tennis player, but high humidity is far more dangerous, robbing the body of its ability to cool itself down. “Sweating is your body’s way of releasing heat,” said Melissa Leber, MD, director of emergency department sports medicine at the Mount Sinai Hospital, US Open consultant and player physician. "But sweat doesn't evaporate as well in the humid air. That makes it difficult to cool down. Your body doesn't respond appropriately and instead says, 'I'm overheating. Let me produce more sweat and more sweat.’” Dr. Leber added, “There may be a genetic component, a male vs. female component and also a height issue to how players take the heat differently. Some people lose more sodium than others, and some have more water in their sweat. A lot of players have their sweat rate and electrolytes measured and work with nutritionists to create a hydration plan that starts in the days leading up to a match.”
- Melissa D. Leber, MD, Assistant Professor, Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Director, Emergency Department Sports Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, US Open Consultant and Player Physician