Post by : Maya Rahman

In a proactive step towards player welfare, the ATP Tour has revealed that it will implement a new heat safety policy beginning in 2026. This initiative follows a number of retirements during the Shanghai Masters, prompted by severe humidity and heat stress. The policy is founded on the globally accepted Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which effectively gauges heat stress exposure under direct sunlight, outlining specific thresholds for cooling breaks and match suspension.

Should the WBGT reach 30.1°C (86.18°F) after the first two sets in a best-of-three match, players may request a 10-minute cooling break subsequent to the second set. This break allows for hydration, clothing changes, showers, and coaching assistance under ATP medical observation. Furthermore, if the WBGT exceeds 32.2°C during play, matches will be put on hold.

The ATP expressed that this new measure aims to enhance the safety of players, officials, ball personnel, and spectators alike. Noteworthy incidents from 2025, such as Jannik Sinner’s retirement in Shanghai due to cramps, Novak Djokovic experiencing nausea during a match, and Holger Rune raising concerns about the heat, underscored the necessity for this policy. Similar occurrences were reported in Cincinnati when Arthur Rinderknech collapsed on the court.

Historically, the responsibility for halting play due to severe weather fell to on-site ATP supervisors, in concert with local authorities and medical teams. The impending policy will standardize ATP regulations with those of the WTA and Grand Slam events, which currently permit extended breaks and match suspensions amid extreme conditions.

Numerous professional sports such as football, Formula One, and cycling already have established protocols to cope with extreme weather challenges. Through this innovative policy, the ATP aspires to foster a safer and more uniform approach during tournaments across the globe.

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