The ATP Tour is implementing a significant rule change starting next season to address the challenges posed by extreme heat during men’s singles matches. This new regulation, which allows players to take 10-minute breaks during best-of-three set matches when conditions become excessively hot, mirrors similar policies already in place for the WTA since the early 1990s.
The need for this policy was underscored at the recent Shanghai Masters, where several players experienced severe difficulties due to the oppressive heat and humidity. Defending champion Jannik Sinner had to retire from his match after suffering from debilitating leg cramps, while 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic expressed his distress after becoming ill on the court. Djokovic commented on the harsh conditions, noting the toll the humidity can take on players, particularly during midday matches.
The newly approved rule by the ATP Board is designed for “protecting players competing in extreme conditions.” It utilizes the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a scientific measure that factors in heat, humidity, and other relevant variables. Under the new guidelines, if the WBGT reaches 30.1 degrees Celsius (approximately 86.2 degrees Fahrenheit) during either of the first two sets, players may request a 10-minute break. If temperatures rise above 32.2 degrees Celsius (around 90 degrees Fahrenheit), the match will be suspended.
During these breaks, players will be permitted to change outfits, hydrate, shower, and utilize other cooling methods while under medical supervision. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to receive coaching during the pauses in play.
The ATP emphasized that this rule aims to enhance not just player safety but also the overall match environment for spectators, officials, ball crews, and tournament staff. While Grand Slam tournaments have their own distinct heat policies, the majority align with the WBGT guidelines, including the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. The tennis events at the Olympics, governed by the International Tennis Federation, also follow similar protocols, while the Australian Open bases its decisions on a Heat Stress Scale.
This proactive step from the ATP signals a growing recognition of the need to prioritize player welfare, particularly as tennis matches continue to be played in increasingly challenging climates.
