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What Was Carlos Alcaraz Wearing on His Nose at the Italian Open 2025?
- By Kylie
- Update 2025/05/27
864 words, 4 minutes read time
Introduction
On May 18th, 2025, Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1 to win the Italian Open in Rome. The win ended Sinner’s impressive 26-match winning streak and gave Alcaraz another ATP 1000 title to add to his growing legacy.
But beyond his dominant performance, tennis fans and media were drawn to an unusual detail—a black nasal strip on Alcaraz’s nose during the final. The image quickly went viral, raising questions among casual fans and sports insiders alike:
What is it? Why is he wearing it? Does it really help?
As reported by Olympics.com, Alcaraz’s win was a major moment in the 2025 tennis season. And now, that moment is also helping shine a light on nasal strips in high-performance sports.
Why Are Nasal Strips Gaining Popularity Among Athletes?
Nasal strips are adhesive bands worn over the nose to gently open the nasal passages, improving airflow. While commonly associated with snoring relief or cold-related congestion, they are rapidly gaining traction in sports medicine and performance optimization.
A growing number of studies—and now, professional athletes—support the claim that nasal strips can help:
Enhance oxygen intake during aerobic performance
Reduce nasal resistance, lowering the effort required to breathe
Support nasal breathing, which can improve endurance and decrease perceived exertion
As noted by the ATP Tour, “nasal strips are typically worn to open the nasal passage and improve airflow… they can also be used during physical activity to improve breathing and help with endurance.” This helps explain why athletes like Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud have recently drawn public attention by wearing them during high-stakes matches.
The Psychology of Visibility: From Breathing Aid to Performance Gear
In a previous ATP Finals appearance, Alcaraz was seen wearing a pink nasal strip, turning what was once a subtle tool into a statement piece on the court (TennisTonic). This raises an interesting point: nasal strips are evolving from purely functional to visually branded performance gear.
Just like compression sleeves or kinesiology tape, nasal strips are becoming part of the athlete’s image:
Bright colors attract media attention
Custom designs reflect team identity or personal branding
Spectators associate the strip with intensity and focus
For brands, this creates a unique opportunity: turn an invisible utility into a visible brand asset. That means customized nasal strips with brand colors, printed logos, or special editions tailored to high-performance teams.
What This Means for Sports Brands and Product Developers
Alcaraz’s black nasal strip isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a market signal. For brands operating in the wellness, sports, or performance sector, it’s time to look at nasal strips not as basic medical supplies, but as brandable, functional performance gear.
This shift means your product strategy should consider:
✔️ Nasal strips are no longer just functional—they’re becoming visually iconic on elite athletes
✔️ You’ll need high-performance adhesives that can withstand sweat, movement, and long hours of wear
✔️ Regulatory expectations are rising—medical-grade compliance (CE, FDA, ISO) is now essential
✔️ Nasal strips can be customized with your brand’s color, logo, and packaging, creating real differentiation
If your brand is looking to expand into breathing tech, sports recovery, or customizable skin-contact wellness products, this is the moment to act. And you need a supplier who not only makes nasal strips—but helps you create your own branded line.
The Future of Nasal Strips in Sports
The moment a world champion steps onto the court with a nasal strip, it becomes more than just a personal tool—it becomes a market signal.
Expect to see nasal strips:
Integrated into performance wear
Included in team kits and sponsorships
Sold as sports recovery tools alongside tape and braces
Customized for kids, women’s leagues, and even esports applications
Smart brands will capitalize on this moment. Smart manufacturers will enable them.
Conclusion
Carlos Alcaraz’s black nasal strip at the 2025 Italian Open sparked global curiosity—but more importantly, it reaffirmed a growing truth in elite sports: breathing matters, and so does the tech behind it.
For global buyers and sports brands looking to ride this momentum, Viva Tape offers the quality, scalability, and customization you need to lead in the market.
🔗 Contact us today to create your own branded nasal strip line.
🌐 Visit vivatape.com
References
Olympics.com (2025). Carlos Alcaraz downs Jannik Sinner for 2025 Italian Open title. Link
ATP Tour (2025). Ruud, Alcaraz Bring Nasal Strips Into the Spotlight in Rotterdam & Dallas. Link
Tennis.com (2025). Casper Ruud Nose Knows Best in Dallas Open Debut. Link
TennisTonic (2024). Alcaraz Introduces Pink Nasal Strip to ATP Finals for Better Breathing. Link
