{
  "id": 3687143,
  "title": "Tennis star Taylor Fritz says playing video games helps keep his brain 'working well' on the court",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/tennis-star-taylor-fritz-says-playing-video-games-helps-keep-his",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T06:50:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-fritz-league-of-legends-stay-sharp-tennis-wellness-routine-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tennis player Taylor Fritz has stated that playing the video game League of Legends aids in his mental performance on the court. Speaking to GQ, the 28-year-old athlete explained that engaging in non-active activities like gaming is essential when he is constantly on the move and training. Fritz has observed that when his brain feels sharp while playing League of Legends, it translates into a well-functioning brain during his matches. He likened the process of playing the game to playing chess, where his mind seemed to operate at an elevated level. In the run-up to his 2023 Atlanta Open victory, Fritz mentioned having a productive week playing League of Legends, attributing his mental sharpness to the game. The tennis star emphasized that gaming is an integral part of his off-court routine, alongside maintaining a high-protein diet and managing his sleep schedule meticulously to cope with the travel-intensive tennis circuit.",
  "summary": "\"It's like playing chess with pieces that are almost moving without your control,\" Taylor Fritz said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Taylor Fritz believes playing video games enhances his mental performance on the court.",
    "The 28-year-old tennis player cited League of Legends as his preferred game.",
    "Fritz's sharp brain during gaming translates to well-functioning brain during matches."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Playing video games has become a key component of Taylor Fritz's mental preparation, helping him stay sharp on the court by providing a mental break from intense training and travel.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}