Nasal Strips & Tennis: Performance Boost or Placebo?
- Several players are experimenting with the adhesive bands, following the lead of Carlos Alcaraz.
- Mirra Andreeva, a Paris semifinalist last year and No.6 seed this year, expressed interest in trying them.
- Alcaraz himself stated at the 2024 ATP Finals that he planned to wear them more frequently enough to improve recovery between points.
Are nasal strips the secret weapon in tennis? The trend,sparked by Carlos Alcaraz,sees players embracing these adhesive bands to enhance breathing and,hopefully,performance. The idea is simple: more air equals better oxygen intake.But does it work,boosting athletic performance considerably,or is this a placebo effect? Discover how these nasal strips aiming to open nostrils,are being adopted by hopeful players.From Mirra Andreeva‘s interest to Nicolás Jarry’s necessity, the reasons vary.News Directory 3 has followed the story, highlighting the scientific debate.The question remains: will these strips stay on the court? Discover what’s next …
Tennis Players Breathe Easier with Nasal Strips, Inspired by Carlos Alcaraz
Updated May 30, 2025
Could nasal strips be the next big thing in tennis? Several players are experimenting with the adhesive bands, following the lead of Carlos Alcaraz. The four-time Grand Slam champion has been seen sporting nasal strips in matches as last season, and other athletes are taking notice. The thinking: if it effectively works for Alcaraz, it might be worth a try.
Mirra Andreeva, a Paris semifinalist last year and No.6 seed this year, expressed interest in trying them. She noted that if Alcaraz uses them in matches, there’s probably a real benefit.
Alcaraz himself stated at the 2024 ATP Finals that he planned to wear them more frequently enough to improve recovery between points. These strips,resembling a Band-Aid across the nose,aim to slightly open the nostrils,facilitating easier nasal breathing. Originally intended to reduce snoring, they are now being used to enhance air intake during physical activity.
The concept is straightforward: improved breathing could lead to better oxygen intake. However,the science presents a less definitive picture regarding athletic performance.
A 2021 review by Brazilian academic Ricardo Dinardi, encompassing over 600 studies, found that nasal strips did not significantly impact air intake, heart rate, or perceived exertion in athletes. Dinardi suggested that the effect is mainly a placebo, but acknowledged that even perceived benefits can be valuable in elite sports.
Casper Ruud, a three-time major finalist, has also experimented with nasal strips, both on the court and while sleeping. He is currently testing a prototype of a more agreeable, internal version.
For Nicolás Jarry, nasal strips are not just a trend but a necessity. Following nasal surgery in 2020, he requires them to breathe properly during practice and matches. “Without it, I cannot breathe,” Jarry said, demonstrating how his nostrils close when he tries to inhale without the strip.
Jarry has observed a surge in interest in nasal strips recently. Despite wearing them for years, including at the French Open, he said that other players only started asking about them after Alcaraz began using them.
Jessica Pegula, the 2024 US Open runner-up, is also considering trying them. “I have a horrible deviated septum. I can’t really breathe out of one side of my nose,” Pegula said. However, she admitted that the aesthetic might be a deterrent, joking about her confidence in “rocking one.”
What’s next
As more players experiment with nasal strips, the trend’s staying power remains to be seen. Whether a placebo effect or genuine aid, the quest for a competitive edge will likely keep these adhesive strips on the court.