Look of the Week: How the pros layer up for chilly tennis weather in Doha

Winter weather in Doha, Qatar is a study in contrasts: Sunny with pleasantly warm conditions during the day, and unexpectedly chilly in the evenings as temperatures regularly dip into the 50s °F.

For professional tennis players who are used to baking under the sun at outdoor events for most of the season, the tricky conditions at the Qatar Total Energies Open present a unique challenge.

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Much of the action takes place in the evenings, so the year’s first WTA 1000 event doubles as a showcase for the strategic ways tennis players are bundling up in order to adapt—and Baseline is taking notes.

Whether you’re battling bone-chilling winter temps at your local club or fighting off the desert night’s chill in search of a big title, take your cues from pros like Iga Swiatek, Marta Kostyuk, Ekaterina Alexandrova and more on how to stay warm during tennis matches without sacrificing performance.

1. It’s all about layers

On a cold day, it might be tempting to throw on your thickest, warmest jacket and head out the door. But if tennis is on the schedule, it’s all about layers.

Think lightweight performance jackets that can easily come off after the first few games when enough body heat has built up, and vests that keep your core insulated from any chill while leaving the arms free for ease of motion while serving and hitting groundstrokes.

2. Materials matter

Long-sleeve and quarter-sleeve tops are a cold-weather staple because they are lightweight and easy to layer over a tank top. A thin, long-sleeve Dri-fit shirt can also serve as the ideal base layer, maintaining warmth without being too heavy as the layers start to shed.

But when staying warm is essential, the garment’s material matters, too.

Avoid cotton, and go for synthetic or performance fabrics that can wick away sweat and moisture from the body. Remember the old saying “cotton kills”? Cotton loses its ability to insulate when wet and it dries slowly, meaning that in the cold it can zap your body's heat and lower your core temperature. When worn in layers close to the body, like T-shirts and undergarments, that frigid damp feeling can be unconfortable at best and distracting during a match.

3. Leggings for days

A popular sight this week for players in Doha, leggings deliver both compression and added warmth, with the bonus of being able to layer over them with shorts, skirts or even joggers.

Keeping the legs warm is crucial during matches because tennis features frequent breaks in play—including changeovers every other game and sit-downs in between sets—meaning there are a lot of chances for chill to set in and cause players to lose focus.

4. All the accessories

Protect your ears with a fleece-lined headband or hat, and keep your toes happy by avoiding cotton socks and opting for fabrics made from synthetic blends. Gloves usually aren’t recommended for tennis after the warm-up, since many players report that they struggle with racquet feel and switching their grips while wearing them.

The top priority is to be comfortable though, so mix and match accessories to your heart's content and see what works for your needs.

5. Game, set, cozy

Researchers have found that about 10 to 15 minutes of shivering had the same effect on the body as an hour of moderate exercise. So the right outfit can mark the difference between having enough energy to last three sets, and burning out after the first-set tiebreak.

Naturally that means staying warm before and after matches is just as important, so like the pros, plan your tennis walk-on accordingly. Layer up with purpose choosing warm yet light layers, always warm up beforehand, and above all be comfortable.

Afterward, take your cues from the top players here, too: Layer up immediately after the match, maybe throwing on a jacket for the classic post-match debrief look. Then, take extra time to have a proper cool-down and stretch as muscles are more prone to injury in cold weather.

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