Plenty of tennis players at the U.S. Open agree: Don’t sleep on the benefits of a good nap, especially ahead of a night match.

Whether at a hotel or on one of the beds in the “Player Quiet Room” down the hall from the locker rooms or anywhere else they can find a spot to stretch out, these Grand Slam athletes appreciate the net gains offered by extra Zs during the tournament being played this week and next.

“In the evening, I get tired, like everybody else, so that’s why I have to take a nap,” said Tatjana Maria, a 37-year-old mother of two from Germany. She’s not alone in a sport where the action can begin anywhere from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. — and, on occasion, even later.

The way a lot of competitors look at it, no matter their country, ranking, or age, is that if you DON’T snooze, you lose.

Players have different strategies for napping, with some opting for a quick power nap and others needing a longer rest to feel refreshed. However, napping is not for everyone, as some players find it difficult to unwind before a match.

The benefits of napping go beyond physical rest. Some players find that a quick nap can help them mentally prepare for a match, while others use naps as a way to relax and recharge between games.

Whether it’s in a designated nap area or a makeshift couch in a locker room, players make the most of their downtime to ensure they are at their best when they hit the court.

In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, the power of a nap should not be underestimated. It’s not just about physical rest, but also mental preparation and rejuvenation that can make all the difference in a player’s performance.