This week we are heading back into the vault of vintage Tennis Channel “Bag Check” features for inspiration. Today’s tennis tech and training topic features Petra Martić appearing in a video that was published over 15 years ago. The Croatian is a long-time mainstay of the WTA Tour and she is currently ranked just outside the top 200. While she briefly broke into the top 20 in 2017, she is mostly regarded as a testament to durability and perseverance.
Rather than highlighting the racquets and shoes that (spoiler alert) are featured in every bag check. What I try to do with this series is to identify and highlight the most unique items that the professional players are carrying in their bags. That can veer into a lot of territory, but in general if a professional tour player is carrying an item, chances are that it would also be good for recreational use. For this particular bag check, the most unique item pulled from Martić’s bag is sunscreen.
Sunscreen is not glamorous and doesn’t directly link to high performance tennis, but it might be one of the most important things any player can carry. Our sport is played almost entirely outdoors, often during peak UV hours, and exposure accumulates over time. One of the news stories included in yesterday’s news capsules was a BBC article that underscored that tennis players are at high risk for skin cancer precisely because of the amount of time spent training and competing in the sun. Sunscreen is not an optional accessory. It is basic protective equipment, no different in principle from proper footwear or hydration.
For that reason, sunscreen is a permanent fixture in my own tennis bag. I carry three different forms at all times and I do have strong preferences because that is just the way I roll. These are the products that I actually use. Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray (<-Sponsored Link) covers hard to reach areas quickly and makes reapplication during changeovers practical as using lotion based products might impact racquet grip. For my face, more precision is needed and Neutrogena Sport Face (<-Sponsored Link) is what works best for me. I also carry Banana Boat Sport Ultra lip balm, (<-Sponsored Link) which clocks in at SPF 50 and offers about the highest level of protection available in that category.
Last year I also added an annual skin cancer screening to my personal health regimen. For tennis players, this is a particularly sensible preventative measure. Sun exposure is cumulative, and early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Regular medical screenings provide peace of mind and establish a baseline that makes changes easier to spot over time. Like sunscreen itself, this is basic routine maintenance for a body that spends a lot of time outdoors.
While the weather may be cold now, it is actually the perfect time to rotate out the sunscreen products you carry in your bag. Sunscreens lose effectiveness over time, especially after prolonged heat exposure. Starting the season with fresh protection in your bag is a simple step that pays long-term dividends.
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Especially for the face/neck, you might consider a mineral-based formulation (zinc, titanium) for improved UVA as well as UVB protection, and possibly for longterm safety.