Recovery, defined as the restoration process of physiological and psychological resources for functional readiness, is associated with individual`s motivation and performance at workplace, and well-being (Demerouti, Bakker, Geurts, & Taris, 2009; Sonnentag, 2001; Sonnentag & Natter, 2004). Despite the implications for athletic performance, the socio-psychological aspects of recovery, particularly during discretionary time, has been neglected in kinesiology research. Drawing on the literature of recovery-stress balance (Kallus & Kellmann, 2000; Kellmann, 2002) and daily recovery from work-related stressors during non-work time (Sonnentag & Binnewies, 2013; Sonnentag & Kuhnel, 2016), this study examined the significance of recovery experience during discretionary time in the men`s professional tennis tour. Interviews and personal conversations with former and current male athletes competed in the professional tennis tour were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to understand the recovery experience during discretionary time and its underlying psychological pathways. Analysis of data discovered discretionary time activities associated with recovery from organizational stresses as well as its psychological mechanisms in the men`s professional tennis tour.
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