Urban Massage speaks to Jacqui who has been playing tennis since she was two-years-old! Read her thoughts on the psychology of competitive sports and her pre/post match tips.
1. Tell me about yourself
I’m currently carrying out a postgraduate degree in mental health studies at Kings College London with the hope of becoming a therapist, perhaps even a sports therapist in the long-term. My interest in psychology actually began when I was playing sports competitively at school as I had to work hard at maintaining focus and not becoming overwhelmed emotionally as a result of the pressure. Sports has always been a huge hobby of mine including tennis, lacrosse, netball, and skiing, a couple of which I played at national level.
2. When did you start playing tennis and why?
I’ve been playing tennis since I was about 2-years-old. My family were always keen and every summer since I was about 2 we spent a couple of weeks in the south of Portugal playing tennis at our favourite tennis club. I have also been fortunate enough to train at the famous Saddlebrook tennis camp in Florida over a couple of years. I began playing LTA tournaments from a young age (11 I think?!) and played for my school 1st team and have maintained my play since then although I find it much more difficult to find the time now.
3. What’s the most challenging thing about tennis?
The psychology for sure. You have good days and bad days and it’s how you tackle the bad days that makes you a good player. Whether you’re winning or losing a match, it can turn around in a second and that in itself is challenging, being able to stay focused.
4. How do you prepare for a match?
Just as it is important to eat a well-balanced diet on a daily basis, it is equally important to eat the right things before, during, and after competition and training. It’s important to eat plenty of complex carbohydrate foods to help boost glycogen stores. So for dinner I usually go with something high in carbohydrates, low in fat, low in protein, low in fibre. I would often have a liquid meal such as a carbohydrate drink or dairy and fresh fruit to avoid anything too bulky. I’d get plenty of sleep, around 8 hours, and then a protein bar or banana an hour before play. In terms of training I just keep up a routine at the gym and go boxing and do circuit training to keep my cardio fitness up.
5. How do you recover post match?
Post match I would stretch and do some yoga. Sometimes I’d have an ice bath or a hot bath. Either would work for me. Sometimes I’m just lazy and just have a shower! Occasionally I would treat myself to a massage but rarely. And then most of the time I would sleep like a baby!
6. How was your Urban Massage experience? How do you feel after your massage?
I went for the relaxing massage. My studies are very intense at the moment with exams approaching so it’s a stressful time and I thought the relaxing massage was appropriate, which it certainly was! Burmilda, my masseuse, was lovely and very professional. She had me half asleep by the end. I’m sad to say an hour goes very quickly.
7. What’s your next big tennis challenge?
So I don’t play as many tournaments now as I used to but I am heading back to Portugal this summer to get some training in. There are always a couple of tournaments at the club so I’m hoping to get my hands on some of those and hopefully the trophies too!