This Thursday, March 4, we celebrate International Tennis Day. Launched in 2013 by the ITF (International Tennis Federation), this day aims to promote the sport around the world and encourage people, especially young people, to try it and gives us the opportunity to learn a little more about this discipline.
A practice that is gaining momentum
Maybe you had the opportunity to focus on it during lockdown? The covid-19 effect has not only had negative consequences in the sports world. In fact, the number of members has only increased in 2020. Perhaps this article will make you want to get a little more interested in playing the sport.
The Great Competitions
Of all the competitions held around the world, four stand out. Called "Grand Slam Tournaments," they feature the world's greatest athletes competing in various categories. All four events take place in the same year, the Australian Open in January, the French Open in May/June, Wimbledon in June/July and the US Open, in New York, in August.
The most successful tennis players in these competitions are Roger Federer (26) and Rafael Nadal (23). Among women, Serena Williams (30) has the most victories.
In Belgium, we can also count some big names: Justine Henin, with her 10 major titles (including 7 Grand Slam tournaments and an Olympic gold medal) is the most successful Belgian in the sport. Having ended her professional career in 2011, she still remains today an icon of tennis in Belgium.
Today, David Goffin for the men and Elise Mertens for the women are the two headliners of Belgian Tennis and represent our colors internationally.
This day is also the perfect opportunity to highlight one of our QNT athletes, a Belgian professional tennis player, through an interview.
Chelsea Van Houtte: Meet a Passionate Woman
View this post on Instagram1. Hi Chelsea, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Chelsea Vanhoutte, I'm 21 years old and I'm a Belgian professional tennis player. My highest ranking in singles is WTA860 and in doubles WTA560 on the international circuit. In Belgium, I am ranked A international #14.
2. How long have you been playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was 7 years old.
3. Which players inspired you the most?
My favorite players are Victoria Azarenka and Roger Federer.
4. What sports activities do you do besides tennis?
I work out about 25h/week. This is not just tennis training, but also physical and fitness training. Other than tennis, I do not play any other sports.
5. How important are supplements in your daily diet?
I use QNT's sports supplements before, during, and after my workouts. It's really important for tennis players, especially with such a heavy training load, I need good supplements to keep my energy up and recover well.
6. What are, for you, the essential supplements from QNT in your sports routine?
During workouts in Belgium, I always use the Carbo Load drink. It's very good and keeps me in shape during the long training days. After the training day, I take the recovery powder. After my fitness sessions, I take vanilla whey protein. During games I use Isotonic powder, Energel bar and Enerjack. After games, I also take recovery powder.
7. What are your goals in tennis?
My goal is to become a world-renowned top player.
8. Any final words?
I am very grateful to QNT for helping me with this venture and I can't wait to find out what the future has in store.