Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

ATP Introduces Heat Stress Rule to Protect Players Amid Rising Temperatures

Posted : 16 December 2025

The ATP Tour has announced a new rule to protect players from extreme heat during men's professional tennis matches. Starting in the 2026 season, players will be allowed a 10-minute break in best-of-three-sets singles matches if conditions become excessively hot.

This policy aligns with a similar rule that has been in place on the WTA Tour for over 30 years. The ATP Board emphasized that the measure is intended to strengthen protections for players competing under harsh conditions, while also improving safety for officials, ball persons, and spectators.

The move follows several high-profile incidents where players struggled with extreme heat and humidity. At the Shanghai Masters in October, defending champion Jannik Sinner was forced to stop playing due to severe leg cramps, while Novak Djokovic vomited during a match and described the conditions as “brutal” with over 80% humidity.

Rising star Terence Atmane retired after only eight games, citing severe shaking, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.

The new ATP rule is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which accounts for heat, humidity, and other environmental factors.

Under the rule, if the WBGT reaches 30.1°C (86.2°F) during the first two sets of a match, either player can request a 10-minute suspension. Matches will be halted entirely if the WBGT exceeds 32.2°C (90°F).

During these breaks, players can change clothing, shower, hydrate, and utilize other cooling methods under the supervision of ATP medical staff. Coaching will also be permitted during the pause.

Grand Slam tournaments and other competitions have their own heat policies. The US Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and Olympic tennis events follow WBGT-based guidelines, while the Australian Open uses the Heat Stress Scale to determine stoppages.

The ATP emphasized that the rule not only protects players’ health but also ensures safer and more comfortable conditions for all involved. Fans can follow the ATP and WTA Tours live throughout 2026 on Sky Sports or stream via NOW and the Sky Sports app.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :