ATP considers implementing heat policy following multiple retirements at steamy Shanghai tournament

Intense Heat Challenges Players at Shanghai Masters, Raising Calls for an Official ATP Heat Rule

At the Shanghai Masters, soaring temperatures and relentless humidity have led to a wave of player retirements and reignited discussions about establishing a formal heat rule in men’s tennis. Italy’s Jannik Sinner, ranked second in the world, was one of the key players affected. During his third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands, Sinner was forced to retire after suffering from intense cramping in his right thigh.

Extreme Heat Takes Toll on Top Tennis Stars

The sweltering conditions in Shanghai saw not only Sinner but also numerous other players struggle to cope. Serbian icon Novak Djokovic had a particularly trying match against Yannick Hanfmann, where he was seen vomiting due to the heat. Meanwhile, Danish player Holger Rune expressed his concerns to an official about the conditions, questioning the safety implications for athletes competing in such weather.

Multiple Retirements at the Shanghai Masters

A significant number of players, including Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, and Wu Yibing, were unable to complete their matches, citing illness or injury. The constant exposure to temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), combined with humidity levels over 80%, led to grueling physical challenges.

Calls Grow for a Formal ATP Heat Policy

The discussions around a formal ATP heat policy gained traction following a similar incident in Cincinnati, where Arthur Rinderknech collapsed before handing the victory to Felix Auger-Aliassime. Currently, the decision to suspend play due to extreme weather falls to an onsite ATP supervisor who collaborates with medical teams and local authorities.

• Several sports such as soccer, Formula One, and cycling already have heat policies in place.
• The Grand Slams and the women’s WTA have established rules for extended breaks and match suspensions in extreme conditions.

The ATP has acknowledged the need for potential updates to existing regulations and is actively reviewing policies, working with players, tournaments, and medical experts to evaluate the implementation of an official heat policy. The organization emphasized that player safety is a top priority.