Are You Ready for the ATP's New Extreme Heat Rules?

A new extreme heat rule is set to be introduced by the ATP from the 2026 season, allowing players to take a 10-minute cooling break during best-of-three sets matches. This decision follows recent concerns about player safety in extreme heat conditions, highlighted by incidents at the Shanghai Masters where players like Holger Rune faced severe challenges due to high temperatures and humidity. The new rule aims to enhance protections for players, reflecting similar measures already in place in women's tennis.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following a series of alarming incidents related to extreme heat conditions on the ATP tour, the governing body has announced new regulations aimed at safeguarding player health. The extreme heat rule, to be implemented in 2026, will allow players to take a 10-minute break during matches when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches a critical level. This measure comes in response to the rising awareness of the health risks posed by playing in high temperatures, which has recently been highlighted at events such as the Shanghai Masters.

Key takeaways

The ATP's extreme heat rule will allow 10-minute cooling breaks during matches starting in 2026.
The rule is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurement.
Conditions at the Shanghai Masters prompted urgent discussions about player welfare.

Timeline: how we got here

The conversation around player safety in extreme heat has been ongoing, but several key events have contributed to the current situation:

1992: WTA introduces its heat rule to protect players during extreme conditions.
October 2023: Shanghai Masters sees temperatures reach 34°C and humidity at 80%, leading to medical emergencies.
October 2023: Holger Rune's incident draws attention to the need for an ATP heat policy.
Future (2026): ATP's new extreme heat rule is set to take effect.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The ATP's announcement regarding the new extreme heat rule has garnered attention as it aims to improve player safety. Players will now have the option to take a break during matches when conditions are deemed unsafe based on WBGT measurements. This is a significant step towards addressing the ongoing concerns about the impact of extreme weather on athletes' health.

What was already established

The WTA has had a heat policy in place since 1992, which has successfully managed player welfare during intense heat at tournaments. The ATP's new initiative mirrors this long-standing practice, acknowledging the need for similar protections in men's tennis.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The introduction of this new rule could affect spectators and fans watching events in the UK and worldwide. Improved player health can lead to better performances and more entertaining matches, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Moreover, with tournaments becoming more spectator-friendly, attendance may increase, benefitting local economies.

Businesses and jobs

Events that follow the new heat policy could see changes in scheduling and logistics. Tournament organisers may need to account for potential breaks in matches, which could affect the flow of events and broadcasting times. This adjustment could require additional staffing or resources to manage the new protocol effectively, thereby impacting employment within the sports sector.

Policy and regulation

The ATP's decision reflects a broader recognition of the need for regulatory measures regarding player welfare. As we move closer to the 2026 season, it will be important for the ATP and other governing bodies to monitor the effectiveness of the new heat rule and adjust policies as necessary to ensure the safety of all participants.

Numbers that matter

34°C: Maximum temperature recorded during the Shanghai Masters.
80%: Humidity level at the same event, significantly impacting player performance.
30.1°C: The WBGT threshold at which players can request a 10-minute cooling break.
32.2°C: WBGT threshold that triggers a suspension of play.
30 years: The WTA heat policy has been in effect, showcasing a long history of prioritising player safety.

Definitions and jargon buster

WBGT: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, a measure used to assess heat stress by factoring in temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover.
ATP: Association of Tennis Professionals, the governing body of men's professional tennis.
WTA: Women's Tennis Association, the governing body for women's professional tennis.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Following the announcement, players and tournament organisers will need to prepare for the implications of the new rule. This includes understanding the WBGT measurements and their relevance during matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the ATP finalises the details of the rule, players may start to advocate for further improvements in heat management in the interim. Observations from upcoming tournaments will help shape the final implementation of the policy.

Signals to watch

Implementation of any trial runs of the new heat rule at upcoming tournaments.
Feedback from players on the effectiveness of cooling breaks once implemented.
Changes in scheduling and match timings based on weather forecasts.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay hydrated during matches and training sessions.
Monitor weather conditions and be prepared for potential breaks.
Advocate for health and safety measures in your local tennis community.

Don’t

Ignore signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness or fatigue.
Push through extreme conditions without considering personal health.
Assume that all tournaments will immediately adopt the new heat measures.

Checklist

Understand the WBGT and its relevance to match conditions.
Prepare for potential changes in match schedules.
Stay informed about ongoing discussions related to player welfare.
Adjust training routines based on weather conditions.
Engage with local tennis clubs on heat management strategies.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the new extreme heat rule aims to enhance player safety, there are inherent uncertainties regarding its practical implementation. The effectiveness of the policy will depend on accurate WBGT measurements and the willingness of players and officials to adapt to the new protocols. Additionally, unforeseen weather patterns may still pose challenges, underscoring the importance of ongoing evaluation and adjustment of heat management strategies.

Bottom line

The introduction of the ATP's extreme heat rule represents a significant step towards prioritising player health in high-temperature conditions. As this policy unfolds, it is crucial for players, fans, and tournament organisers to remain vigilant and adapt to the changing landscape of professional tennis. Monitoring the effectiveness of these measures will be essential for future developments in player welfare.

FAQs

What is the new extreme heat rule introduced by the ATP?

The ATP's new extreme heat rule will allow players to take a 10-minute cooling break during best-of-three sets matches when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches 30.1°C or higher.

When will the new heat rule take effect?

The extreme heat rule is set to be implemented in the 2026 season, allowing for structured breaks during matches in extreme heat conditions.

Why is the new rule necessary?

The rule aims to protect players' health in extreme weather conditions, a concern that has gained urgency in recent years due to various incidents highlighting the risks of playing in high temperatures.