128. HAVE YOU GOT EVERYTHING? – Reality Tennis

You might think it’s hard packing to go on holiday? Then try and pack to go on the pro tennis tour for what might be weeks on end! It can be challenging. You want to pack enough to cover at least the first week/10 days of your trip but at the same time, you have to remember that everything you take you will be carrying so you cannot afford to over pack.

This blog may not be the most exciting but hopefully it will serve as an aide memoir/checklist to players, parents, coaches etc of the key things that need to be in your bag! This is not an exhaustive list and I may have missed a few things but hopefully it covers the majority. Obviously not all players will need all of what is listed – it is simply a guide!

• Racquets – at least 3.
• Racquet accessories – grips, shock absorbers, strings, anti sweat cream, string savers.
• Water bottle.
• Clothes – training kit, match kit, casual clothes, something a little smart (nice top, shirt etc in case you get invited out somewhere such as a players party), night-ware, underwear, socks, sports bras, overtops, joggers, sweat bands, socks, warm top (planes can be very cold), running kit, hats/visors, rain top/coat (if going somewhere cold/wet).
• Shoes – tennis shoes (for clay, hard, grass, carpet – according to the tournaments), casual shoes, trainers, flip flops/slides.
• Passport, Visas, Drivers License, Travel Insurance Policy, Invitation Letters from foreign tennis federations (if needed), copies of key documents (ideally kept in a hidden file on your phone).
• Devices – phone, ipad (with shows downloaded for the flight), PC, Fire-stick. camera, Whoop, Smart watch, charging leads, power adaptor, game console, power bank (check if permissible on chosen flight).
• Toiletries – general and also a mini set of the key things (shampoo, toothpaste, conditioner etc) in hand luggage.
• Jewellery – limited amount. I only take what I am wearing.
• Laundry items – bag, washing powder (for hand wash), piece of string (washing line), handful of pegs.
• Medications and first aid – suncreen, bug spray, painkillers, tape, plasters (standard and blister).
• Training kit – gym bands, skipping rope.
• Supplements – protein powder, hydration tablets, vitamins.
• Sundries – book(s), diary, note pad, pen, lucky charm.
• Purse, credit card, currency card, cash.
• Snacks – for the journey and also as meal replacements if you/your player has a food allergy/auto immune disease (from example, coeliac) and cannot always eat the local food.
• House keys, car keys, AppleTags (or equivalent -inside your checked bags).

I always try and pack a spare set of clothes/toiletries etc in my hand luggage for the first couple of days just in case my bags get lost (and they have on numerous occasions). Packing cubes are a ‘must’ – as they allow you to cram much more into your bags than without. Also, it is worth making a note of what you have packed as insurance companies/airlines will ask for full details of the all the contents of your bag(s), and their value, if you have to make a claim in the event of lost luggage. You will be amazed the value of all your possessions when itemised out. A pro tennis player can be carrying luggage worth c.£4k + – when you include racquets, shoes, branded ket etc. so it is worth having a note of all that you take. A bit of a chore I know, but trust me, you will thank yourself if your luggage does get lost.

And finally, take a photo of your bags before they go on that conveyor belt and go on their journey to the hold of your plane. Check that the luggage tag is readable (if not request a new one) and if possible travel with brightly coloured luggage as opposed to black. Easier to spot when at baggage reclaim or if your bags do go astray somewhere. I speak from experience – a brightly coloured bag in a sea of black bags at Lost Luggage really does make a difference!

#realitytennis