A cool solution from Nike at US Open tournament
05/09/2018
In recent practice sessions, men’s world number one Rafael Nadal and 2006 women’s ladies champion Maria Sharapova were both spotted donning an unfamiliar piece of apparel.
Nike has now revealed that the garment in question was a new cooling vest, designed to reduce the stress on the body caused by high heat and humidity. This tournament marks the first time that it has been worn during a tennis competition.
The company has said the prototype was developed at the Nike Sport Research Lab following tests on how body temperature affects athletic performance. According to Nike researchers, around 25% of the energy used during exercise goes toward powering the muscles, with the rest becoming heat that increases the body temperature. This has an adverse effect on athletic performance.
Nike’s solution is a customisable vest that features four removable cooling packs to cover maximum surface across the front and back of the torso. The brand has said it is capable of quickly reducing the temperature of the body, sometimes within only two to three minutes.
It has been designed to be comfortable enough to be worn during pre-match warm-ups, between games and during rest periods.
“Anything that can help with this heat is a benefit,” Mr Nadal has said. “We typically use wet towels to stay cool, but this vest gives me relief in all the places I need it. Every area of the vest was designed with players in mind.”
Image credit: Nike.
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