The ATP is considering implementing a formal heat policy after a series of player retirements at the Shanghai Masters due to extreme weather conditions. The combination of high temperatures, reaching around 30 degrees Celsius, and humidity levels soaring to 80% created "brutal" conditions that pushed players to their physical limits.
Several top players were forced to withdraw from their matches, including Jannik Sinner, who retired due to severe cramping. Other players who retired mid-match due to illness or injury include Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, David Goffin, Terrence Atmane, Hamad Medjedovic, and Wu Yibing. Novak Djokovic, despite battling through, was seen vomiting during changeovers in his match against Yannick Hanfmann. He acknowledged the difficulties, stating that the conditions were "brutal" and "challenging". Holger Rune also took a medical timeout for heat-related reasons during his match. Terence Atmane described a shocking experience where he "couldn't breathe" and "lost consciousness" on the court. He later explained on social media that he felt "suffocated" and "panicked" due to the heat stress.
The ATP has confirmed that it is actively reviewing its approach to extreme heat and considering additional measures, including a formal heat policy. They are consulting with players, tournaments, and medical experts to evaluate potential changes. The ATP stated that player safety remains a top priority. Currently, the ATP relies on the discretion of tournament organizers and local authorities to decide on suspending play due to adverse weather conditions. This differs from the WTA Tour and Grand Slams, which have specific policies for halting play based on weather conditions.
The potential implementation of a heat policy raises questions about what it might look like in tennis. Other sports, such as Formula 1 and cycling, have implemented heat policies to protect athletes. In Formula 1, drivers can wear cooling vests, while other solutions could involve suspending play when heat or humidity levels are too high or moving matches indoors. Eurosport commentator Dario Puppo suggested that the ATP should follow the lead of Grand Slams and consider suspending play when conditions are clearly unsafe. Retired Italian Grand Slam champion Adriano Panatta criticized the conditions in Shanghai, citing high humidity and pollution levels as "unhealthy" and "inadvisable for sports activity".
The events at the Shanghai Masters have intensified the debate about the demands on players and the need for a more consistent approach to player safety in extreme weather. Some have pointed out the grueling nature of the tennis season and the new 12-day Masters events, which place additional strain on players. With the hot weather expected to continue in Shanghai, the ATP faces increasing pressure to implement changes to protect players' health.
