Does carbohydrate supplementation maximize performance of tennis players?

Abstract

Tennis is a complex sport influenced by many variables, such as the type of court (slow or fast), the ball used and the tactical pattern of the player (offensive or defensive). It is considered a long lasting intermittent activity that probably recruits different energy substrates. Thus, due to its specific characteristics, it is reasonable to expect that carbohydrate might be an important energy substrate for this sport. The ergogenic role of carbohydrate for endurance sports is well known. However, only few studies investigated the role of this nutrient during tennis practice. The aim of the present work is to discuss the data regarding the effect of carbohydrate supplementation on tennis performance. There are only few studies available with controversial results. Therefore, it is not currently possible to draw a final conclusion on this topic. Probably, the controversy is related to different experimental models. Further studies should be carried out in order to assess the real effect of carbohydrate supplementation on tennis performance.