TENNIS: ATP to introduce new heat policy from 2026 season

The ATP Tour has announced a new heat policy set to take effect in 2026, in response to multiple retirements caused by extreme temperatures and high humidity at the Shanghai Masters earlier this season. The governing body of men's tennis introduced the rule after a series of incidents where players struggled with the intense heat during matches.

The policy, which follows the internationally recognized Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, will help measure heat stress in direct sunlight. The ATP said that the new rule would create “clear thresholds” for when cooling measures should be implemented and when play should be suspended.

“The new heat rule provides a structured, medically supported approach to managing extreme heat, with the objective of safeguarding player health,” the ATP explained in a statement released on Monday. The policy also aims to improve conditions for fans, officials, ball persons, and tournament staff.

Under the new rule, if the WBGT reaches 30.1°C (86.18°F) or higher during the first two sets of a best-of-three-set singles match, either player can request a 10-minute cooling break after the second set. The break, which applies to both competitors, will allow players to hydrate, change clothing, shower, and receive coaching under the supervision of ATP medical staff.

Play will be suspended entirely if the WBGT exceeds 32.2°C (89.96°F).

This move comes after a number of high-profile incidents at the Shanghai Masters in October, where players faced serious heat-related challenges. World number two Jannik Sinner, for example, had to retire from his third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor after struggling with cramps in his right thigh. Novak Djokovic also vomited during his match with Yannick Hanfmann, while Holger Rune was heard asking if players were expected to “die on court” due to the sweltering conditions.

The need for a formal ATP heat policy first arose in August when Arthur Rinderknech collapsed on court during a match in Cincinnati, unable to continue in the extreme heat. Rinderknech’s collapse led to Felix Auger-Aliassime being awarded the win by default.

Prior to the new policy, decisions on whether to suspend play due to extreme weather, including heat, were left to the discretion of the on-site ATP supervisor, who coordinated with medical teams and local authorities. The new rule brings the ATP in line with the WTA and the four Grand Slam tournaments, all of which have already adopted similar measures for extended breaks and match suspensions in hot weather.

Several other professional sports, including soccer, Formula One, and cycling, have long-established policies to manage extreme weather conditions, and now tennis is following suit to prioritize player health and safety. -Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman/Reuters