ATP Tour Introduces New Rule to Combat Extreme Heat During Matches
The ATP Tour has announced a new rule to address the issue of extreme heat during men’s professional tennis matches. Starting next season, players will be allowed to take 10-minute breaks during best-of-three-sets singles matches when the heat becomes unbearable. This move is aimed at protecting the health and well-being of players, as well as improving conditions for spectators, officials, ball persons, and tournament staff.
The new policy, approved by the ATP Board, is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which takes into account the heat, humidity, and other factors. When the WBGT reaches at least 30.1 degrees Celsius (about 86.2 Fahrenheit) in one of the opening two sets of a best-of-three match, either player can request a 10-minute suspension of play. If the WBGT exceeds 32.2 degrees Celsius (about 90 Fahrenheit), the match will be halted.
Background and Context
The issue of extreme heat during tennis matches has been a concern for players and officials for some time. During the Shanghai Masters in October, some players called for the ATP to introduce guidance to help them cope with the extreme conditions. Defending champion Jannik Sinner stopped playing a match due to severe leg cramps, while 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic lamented the conditions after vomiting during a victory. “It’s brutal when you have over 80% humidity day after day,” Djokovic said, “particularly for the guys when they’re playing during the day with heat, with sun.”
The WTA first established a rule to protect players in the heat in 1992, and the ATP has now followed suit. The new rule is designed to provide players with a safe and healthy environment in which to compete, and to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries.
How the New Rule Will Work
During the 10-minute breaks, players will be allowed to change clothing, shower, hydrate, or use other ways to cool off under the supervision of ATP medical staff. They will also be able to receive coaching during this time. The breaks will be taken between the second and third sets of a best-of-three match, and will be supervised by the ATP’s medical team.
The ATP has stated that the new rule is aimed at “safeguarding player health, while also improving conditions for spectators, officials, ball persons, and tournament staff.” The rule will be implemented starting next season, and will apply to all ATP Tour events.
Grand Slam Tournaments and Heat Policies
Grand Slam tournaments, such as the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, have their own heat policies in place. These policies are based on WBGT readings, as is the case with the ATP’s new rule. The Australian Open, on the other hand, uses a Heat Stress Scale to determine when to halt play due to extreme heat.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF), which governs the sport of tennis worldwide, also has heat policies in place for the tennis competition at the Olympics. The ITF’s policies are designed to protect the health and well-being of players competing in extreme conditions.
The introduction of the new rule by the ATP Tour is a positive step towards protecting the health and well-being of players, and ensuring that they can compete in a safe and healthy environment. As the sport of tennis continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further innovations and initiatives aimed at improving player safety and well-being.
