From Wimbledon to the World Cup, this is why hydration takes centre stage

Hydration breaks have become a talking point in sport this summer, but they're more than a play pause.

Strawberries, cream and pristine grass courts might be the classic British symbols of Wimbledon we all know and love. But behind every carefully calculated rally is an even more strategically planned hydration strategy. While we spectators focus on those whopping serves and dramatic tie-breaks, players and their teams pay close attention to something much less glamorous: fluid and electrolyte intake.

It's a topic that has been making headlines beyond tennis, too. During this summer's Club World Cup in the United States, fans online have been joking about the number of hydration breaks being introduced during matches. Some have seen them as interruptions to the action, and some even take the mick with ‘soft’ Americans.

But the reality is that these pauses serve a good purpose. High temperatures and humidity (especially abroad) can place significant strain on the body, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. For athletes competing at the highest level, staying hydrated is a performance essential.

Tennis players know this better than most. A long Wimbledon match can last several hours, with athletes repeatedly sprinting, changing direction and exerting themselves in the summer heat. It’s an unbelievable event to watch, but during that time, they lose fluid through sweat, meaning a loss of important minerals known as electrolytes.

Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. They help regulate fluid balance, support muscle function, and play a crucial role in nerve signalling. When electrolyte levels drop too low, symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, dizziness and muscle cramps… none of which are helpful when you're trying to destroy your opponent in the Grand Slam title.

This is why professional athletes don't simply rely on water alone. While water is essential for hydration, it doesn't replace the minerals lost through sweat. That's where electrolyte drinks or supplements can help, supporting both hydration and performance during periods of intense activity.

Of course, you don't need to be competing on Centre Court or a World Cup footie pitch to benefit from understanding the role of electrolytes. The same principles apply to everyday life, particularly during warmer weather. Whether you're exercising outdoors, attending a summer festival, travelling abroad, or simply spending more time in the sun, your body loses fluid and minerals through sweat. And hey, if you fancy recreating your own Wimbledon, best note that hydration should be an utmost priority.

For most people, a balanced diet and regular water intake will cover day-to-day hydration needs. However, after prolonged exercise, heavy sweating or extended periods in the heat, replenishing electrolytes may help support hydration more effectively than water alone.

The recent focus on hydration breaks in elite sport serves as a useful reminder. What may look like a brief pause in play is actually part of a carefully considered strategy to protect health and maintain performance. Wimbledon players, footballers competing in the American summer heat, and everyday exercisers all face the same basic challenge: replacing what the body loses through sweat.

So, while strawberries and cream may remain Wimbledon’s most famous pairing, there’s another combination working hard behind the scenes: water and electrolytes. And in our eyes, is just as iconic.