On June 8, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz stormed to victory at the French Open, claiming his fifth Grand Slam title and proving once again he’s not just the future of tennis—he’s the now. But if you’ve followed his matches over the last year, you may have noticed something unusual: a thin strip across the bridge of his nose during key tournaments like the ATP Finals and Italian Open.
No, it wasn’t a fashion statement. It was a nasal strip.
And while he didn’t wear it during the French Open final itself, his previous use has sparked major curiosity—not just among tennis fans, but runners, gym-goers, and even sleep-deprived parents. So what’s the deal with nasal strips? And why are elite athletes and everyday people alike turning to them (and mouth tape too)?
Let’s break it down.
🧠 Why Nasal Breathing Matters (More Than You Think)
Most of us go through life thinking breath is breath. But there’s a huge difference between breathing through your nose versus your mouth—especially when it comes to performance, recovery, and sleep.
Nasal breathing is your body’s default, optimal mode for a reason:
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It increases nitric oxide production, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve oxygen delivery.
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It filters, warms, and humidifies air—important for your lungs, especially during sleep or physical activity.
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It regulates airflow and reduces the tendency to overbreathe (a common issue with mouth breathing).
- It can improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and enhance endurance.
This is why athletes like Alcaraz and others, including runners and even MMA fighters, are using nasal strips to maximize airflow, breathe more efficiently, and perform at their best.
🏃 Nasal Strips: From the Tennis Court to the Track
Though they’ve long been used by NFL players for their decongesting effect, nasal strips are now having a mainstream moment in endurance and performance sports. You’ll see them popping up on runners, cyclists, and yes—tennis champions.
In running especially, breath efficiency is everything. Whether you’re pacing a 10K or crushing hill sprints, staying calm and keeping your breathing steady can make or break your race. Nasal strips open the nostrils, reduce airway resistance, and make nasal breathing during exertion a lot more doable.
And that’s where Tapeher comes in.
😴 Tapeher: Where Performance Meets Recovery
At Tapeher, we’re all about helping you perform and recover better—whether you’re on the tennis court, the running trail, or just trying to survive bedtime with toddlers.
That’s why we created a lineup of breathable, gentle products designed to support nasal breathing and improve sleep quality:
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Tapeher Nose Strips lift the nasal passages to promote clear, deep airflow during workouts and sleep.
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Tapeher Mouth Tape gently encourages nasal breathing overnight, helping reduce snoring, dry mouth, and sleep disruptions.
- Tapehim versions are designed for men’s facial structure and comfort, so the whole family can benefit.
What makes us different? Our mouth tape is designed in an “X” shape that sits comfortably across the lips—no full-mouth coverage, no suffocating feeling. Just secure, breathable support that promotes nose-first breathing the way nature intended.
🎾 From Sleep to Sport: The Nasal Revolution
Carlos Alcaraz didn’t win the French Open because of a nose strip—but his use of it highlights a growing awareness of how foundational breathing is to human performance.
From pro athletes to busy parents, more and more people are realizing that mouth breathing—especially during sleep—can affect everything from focus and immunity to athletic output and mood.
With nasal strips and mouth tape, the goal isn’t to reinvent the wheel—it’s to restore the way we’re meant to breathe.
And sometimes, that makes all the difference.
Ready to try it for yourself?
Join the thousands who are sleeping better, performing stronger, and breathing clearer with Tapeher.