ATP Reviews Heat Policy Amid Player Concerns and Retirements

Jannik Sinner's Shanghai Masters campaign came to an abrupt end when he retired from his third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor

The ATP is considering implementing a formal heat rule after a series of retirements at the Shanghai Masters, where top players struggled with the extreme heat and humidity. The sweltering conditions took a toll on several players, prompting the governing body to reevaluate its policies and prioritize player safety.

“This remains under active review and additional measures including the implementation of an official heat...”

The ATP is considering implementing a formal heat policy after a string of retirements at the Shanghai Masters, including top players like Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune, who struggled with heat-related issues. Temperatures soared above 30°C (86°F) with humidity levels exceeding 80%, making conditions brutal for players. The governing body has confirmed that player safety is their top priority and is actively reviewing potential measures to mitigate heat-related issues.

Player Struggles:

Jannik Sinner: Retired due to severe cramping in his right thigh during his match against Tallon Griekspoor

Novak Djokovic: Vomited during his encounter with Yannick Hanfmann, describing the conditions as “brutal”

Holger Rune: Asked an official if players had to “die on court” amid the heat and humidity during his match against Ugo Humbert

Other players: Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, David Goffin, Terence Atmane, Hamad Medjedovic, and Wu Yibing also retired due to illness or injury

The ATP is evaluating measures, including mandatory cooling breaks, match suspensions under extreme conditions, or revised scheduling during summer tournaments. This review comes after similar incidents in Cincinnati, where Arthur Rinderknech collapsed on court due to heat exhaustion. The governing body is working with players, tournaments, and medical experts to implement a potential heat policy.

Not how anyone wanted it to end 😢

Jannik Sinner is forced to retire hurt in the third set meaning Tallon Griekspoor progresses to the next round #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/QRowNyQwLx

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 5, 2025

A string of retirements at the Shanghai Masters has put the spotlight on the ATP's heat policy. Top players like Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, David Goffin, Terence Atmane, Hamad Medjedovic, and Wu Yibing were forced to retire mid-match due to illness or injury. The extreme weather conditions, with temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and humidity levels over 80%, took a toll on the players' health and performance.

The ATP's current policy relies on onsite supervisors to make decisions about suspending play due to adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat. These supervisors work closely with medical teams and local authorities to ensure player safety. While the ATP Medical Services team implements measures to protect player health in extreme heat, the governing body is considering introducing a formal heat rule.

The need for a formal heat rule gained momentum after Arthur Rinderknech collapsed on court during a match in Cincinnati in August. Players like Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic have expressed concerns about the conditions, with Rune questioning whether players have to “die on court” amid the heat and humidity. The ATP is reviewing its policies and consulting with players, tournaments, and medical experts to prioritize player safety.

The ATP has confirmed that player safety is its top priority and is open to making changes to its heat policy. The governing body is evaluating additional measures, including implementing an official heat policy, similar to those in place at Grand Slams and the WTA. This potential change aims to provide a safer environment for players competing in extreme weather conditions.

“It's the same for every player out on the court, but it's brutal,” Djokovic said after he battled to victory.

“It's brutal when you have over 80% of humidity day after day, particularly for the guys when they're playing during the day with the heat, with sun, it's even more brutal.”

ATP Considering Official Heat Policy

“In parallel, the ATP Medical Services team implements several measures in cases of extreme heat, to help protect player health during competition,” the governing body.

The ATP is open to changing its policy and is currently evaluating the implementation of a formal heat rule to better protect players from extreme weather conditions. This consideration comes after several top players struggled with heat-related issues at the Shanghai Masters, highlighting the need for a more structured approach to managing heat and player safety.

“This remains under active review and additional measures including the implementation of an official heat policy are currently being evaluated in consultation with players, tournaments, and medical experts,” it added.

“Player safety remains a top priority for the ATP.”

Several professional sports, including football, Formula 1, and cycling, have implemented formal policies to address extreme weather conditions. These policies prioritize athlete safety and provide clear guidelines for managing heat-related issues.

The ATP can draw inspiration from existing frameworks within tennis. The Grand Slams and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) have implemented rules allowing for extended breaks and match suspensions due to extreme weather. These rules provide a precedent for the ATP to develop a similar policy, prioritizing player safety and well-being.