Life on the tennis circuit means a great deal of time spent away from home, working long hours, and it is not just the players that are affected.

Both the men's ATP Tour and the female equivalent WTA Tour have large support teams that assist the players around the circuit.

Part of that back-up team includes a group of physiotherapists, comprising five in total, who between them cover all of the tournaments.

American Doug Spreen works on the ATP Tour and is one of three physios looking after the men playing at Wimbledon for the first week.

His work sees him cover around 20 tournaments a year, keeping him away from his Cincinnati home for more than 200 days a year.

So what does his work involve?

"I usually arrive about an hour before play begins and we do anything we are required to do to help the players go on court.

"That can include taping, stretching or evaluating a new ache that may have developed overnight.

"Once play starts it is still a question of preparing those on court later in the day plus helping those who are finishing their matches.

"And we are permanently available on radio if required to go and treat a player on court."

But tennis was his sport.

"I grew up playing tennis and played competitively in juniors and at high school in the US. It was definitely the game I loved and I have always been interested in it.

"I was contacted about the position by the ATP and it was one of those jobs that you can not turn down."

It has enabled Spreen to forge good friendships with many of the top players but he always trys to keep them on a professional basis.

"The guys are really good to work for and I don't think they get enough credit for the athletes that they are."