The sun-soaked Australian Open 2026: A Hidden Cost of Tennis
The Price of Chasing the Sun
In the world of professional tennis, a sport that relentlessly pursues the sun, players are paying a heavy price for their pursuit of optimal playing conditions.
A Painful Reality
Just ask Renata Zarazua, a Mexican tennis player, who recently shared a graphic image of her blistered back, a stark reminder of the dangers of the Australian sun. Or consider Lucy Shuker, a British wheelchair tennis player, who discovered sun damage in one of her eyes.
As the Australian Open heats up with temperatures soaring to 37C and a "very high" UV level, we delve into the impact of prolonged outdoor play on tennis players' health.
The Tennis Tour's Secret
Nearly 85% of professional tennis tournaments are held outdoors, exposing players to an estimated 400 hours of direct sunlight annually. This puts them at a significant risk of UV exposure, leading to eye damage and skin cancer.
Former players like Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and Chris Evert have all experienced the consequences, with Roddick battling various skin cancers and Capriati and Evert dealing with corneal growths (pterygiums) caused by sun exposure.
Chris Evert has even referred to this as the "nasty little secret" of the tennis tour.
Protecting British Tennis
The LTA, the governing body of British tennis, is taking proactive measures to safeguard its athletes. They offer annual specialist sports vision tests and skin checks with dermatologists as part of their pre-season screenings.
During a recent visit to the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, three out of ten players screened showed signs of eye damage due to high UV exposure.
"The more UV exposure, the higher the risk of ocular surface issues," explains sports vision optometrist Carmelo Castiglione.
Paralympic silver medallist Lucy Shuker shared her concerns at the screening: "I know I have sun damage in one eye... My dad has had skin issues too, so I'm aware of the risks."
Guy Evans, the LTA's chief medical officer, emphasizes the "high risk" players face from sun exposure: "They train for hours in the sun, while we sit in offices. We need to reduce the risks of malignancy."
The Sunglasses Dilemma
According to Eye Health UK, eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV than skin, with UV radiation causing short-term burns on the eye's surface and long-term risks of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Experts like Castiglione advocate for sunglasses as the best protection, but players are reluctant to wear them during matches.
While cricketers and sailors often wear sunglasses, tennis players are less likely to do so, citing issues with tracking the ball, depth perception, and comfort.
"I've avoided sunglasses due to sweat and comfort issues," says Fran Jones, the British number three. "For me, it's a fashion choice, but I may need them in future. I lost a match in Guadalajara because I couldn't see the ball."
The Sun Cream Challenge
A 2023 study by the Australian Institute of Sport established a link between outdoor work and an increased risk of skin cancer, suggesting the damage is permanent and irreversible.
Renata Zarazua, who experienced sunburn and a fever, admits to sometimes skipping sunscreen due to its oily nature, which affects her grip.
"Sunscreen can be annoying, making my grip slippery," she says. "I often wear long sleeves and leggings to avoid this."
Cameron Norrie, a British player, uses heavy-duty zinc sunscreen on his face, despite the white stripe it leaves.
"It's not pretty, but it's effective," he says.
Precautions and Progress
Former players like Roddick and Evert urge current players to take robust precautions, using suncream, caps, and sunglasses. Maya Joint, a regular sunglasses wearer, praises tournaments for providing sunscreen and implementing heat rules.
The men's ATP tour recently introduced new heat rules, allowing 10-minute breaks during extreme conditions, similar to long-standing WTA provisions.
"Many players are doing well with sun protection," Joint says. "But some could do more."
And this is the part most people miss...
While progress is being made, the health risks associated with sun exposure in tennis are a controversial topic. Do you think enough is being done to protect players? Share your thoughts in the comments!
