The ATP Tennis Radio Podcast · ATP Media

EXCLUSIVE - Leading Physiotherapist Marc Bender

·14 min·1 clip

Marc Bender reveals why amateur players get overuse injuries while pros face different risks from environmental changes.

This episode features an interview with leading physiotherapist Marc Bender, who explains how injury types and prevention differ between amateur and professional tennis players. Host Chris questions Bender on the specific physical demands across all levels of the sport. Bender states amateur players often suffer overuse injuries like wrist or elbow tendonitis when suddenly increasing play volume, such as starting a summer season. He explains professionals, already conditioned for constant play, are more affected by environmental changes like wind or equipment adjustments like string tension. The conversation outlines a five-category player structure, from public parks to international levels, where training intensity escalates. Bender asserts modern top-level tennis is primarily about explosive movement and acceleration-deceleration, not just ball striking. He details that elite players now endure extreme conditioning, including deadlifting two to three times their body weight and lengthy practice sessions. For club players, Bender identifies a common lack of specific conditioning, with many relying only on general activities like dog walking. His central recommendation for all players is to incorporate strength training to increase bandwidth and prevent injury. Bender notes the most common injury areas across all levels are backs, hips, knees, and shoulders. He observes a recent increase in wrist injuries on the professional tour, potentially linked to racket or ball technology. For amateurs, wrist and elbow injuries frequently stem from poor technique combined with sudden, repetitive play. A key insight is that a wrist injury often signals an energy transfer issue from weaknesses in the legs, core, or shoulder girdle, not just the wrist itself. Bender describes top professionals like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as "freaks" who are optimally engineered and possess extreme discipline for repetitive conditioning. He emphasizes that greatness comes from incremental gains accumulated over decades. For the social player who barely moves and prioritizes post-match drinks, Bender concedes specific conditioning may not matter. However, he stresses that any player seeking to improve technique and enjoyment will see a significant return from targeted strength work. When asked for one universal exercise, Bender immediately recommends squatting, alongside deadlifts, kettlebell swings, and core work. He suggests a manageable routine of 10-20 minutes, three to four times a week, can provide substantial benefits. Bender acknowledges equipment changes, like string tension, can dramatically alter loads on the body, though he defers to experts on those "dark arts." The tone is conversational and educational, with the host posing practical questions to draw out actionable advice from the expert. The style is informative, blending physiological explanations with clear recommendations for everyday application. Tennis enthusiasts of any level seeking to avoid injury and improve their game through smarter conditioning would love this episode. Listeners solely interested in professional tour gossip or narrative drama might find it too technically focused on physical preparation.

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