Humid court survival

Playing in Indonesia means playing in humidity. Sweat does not evaporate quickly when the air is already wet, so it collects on your palms and runs down your forearm into your hand. By the second set, the racket starts to twist on off-centre hits. Here is what helps.

1. Pick the right overgrip

Overgrips come in two broad types. Tacky overgrips feel sticky and are great when your hands are dry. Dry overgrips have a more absorbent surface made for sweaty hands. If you sweat heavily, try a dry overgrip and change it often: a worn, shiny overgrip is slippery whatever its type.

2. Use your towel between points

Wipe your hands and the handle, not just your face. A dry palm on a dry handle makes the biggest difference.

3. Stop sweat before it reaches your hand

A wristband catches the sweat that runs down your forearm. A headband keeps it out of your eyes, so you are not wiping your face with your racket hand.

4. Add a grip layer

A grip enhancer spray like ONGrip adds a thin layer of natural rosin to your palm. Spray 2–3 pumps onto clean, dry hands from 10–15 cm, rub evenly and let it dry briefly. Reapply when you feel the grip fading; a changeover is a natural moment to do it.

5. Drink before you are thirsty

Long matches in the heat are tiring. Keep a bottle of water at your bench and drink regularly at changeovers.