Russian tennis player Veronika Kudermetova has revealed her unusual post-match recovery technique, which involves drinking beer. Kudermetova advanced to the semi-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open following her victory over Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals. According to the player, drinking beer significantly helped her to cope with the fatigue she experienced after the game. However, the tennis pro also made a blunder when speaking about another tennis player, 19-year-old Coco Gauff, mistaking her name for ‘Coca’, which led to fans finding the mistake both humorous and adorable.
For professional tennis players, effective recovery processes are vital to determining the longevity of their careers as they all face gruelling matches that can cause injury and fatigue. Since each professional player is unique, recovery processes also vary considerably. Kudermetova’s approach to drinking beer after a match is a unique one that has raised eyebrows within the tennis industry. Nonetheless, her individualism in terms of healing her body is a reflection of the need for players to listen to their bodies and find what works best for them.
Kudermetova’s blunder regarding the pronunciation of Coco Gauff’s surname only added to her likeability. Fans were quick to take to social media to share their appreciation for the Russian player’s adorable and humorous slip of the tongue. This event highlights the importance of individuals embracing their unique perspectives, and whilst people may make mistakes, it is simply part of being human. As such, players should feel more relaxed about embracing their styles as they face challenging careers and intense pressure from fans, coaches, and the wider community.