Holger Rune Calls for Heat Rule in Tennis After Shanghai Masters

Holger Rune receives medical treatment during his Shanghai Masters match against Ugo Humbert 

Denmark's Holger Rune is urging tennis authorities to implement a heat rule at tournaments like the Shanghai Masters, amid sweltering conditions that led to multiple player retirements. 

“We can handle a certain amount of heat, because we're strong and mentally strong as...”

Denmark's Holger Rune is calling for tennis authorities to implement a heat rule to protect players from extreme weather conditions. The world number 11 expressed his concerns after witnessing several top players, including defending champion Jannik Sinner, retire due to heat-related issues at the Shanghai Masters. Temperatures soared above 30°C (86°F) with humidity levels exceeding 80%.

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) is reviewing its policies and considering implementing a heat rule to prioritize player safety. The governing body is working with players, tournaments, and medical experts to evaluate the best course of action. ATP stated that player safety remains a top priority.

Existing Measures

While waiting for a potential heat rule, ATP's medical services team implements several measures to protect player health during extreme heat, including:

• On-site medical teams: Collaborate with tournament officials to monitor player health

• Weather monitoring: Track temperature and humidity levels to assess potential risks

• Player education: Educate players on heat-related illnesses and prevention strategies

Rune emphasized the importance of player safety, saying, “We can handle a certain amount of heat, because we're strong and mentally strong as well, but there is always a limit... We need to survive.”

Medjedovic: "How can you let us play in these conditions?"

"Under this roof, there is no air."

"There is zero air in here."

Humidity in Shanghai: 86% 🥵

pic.twitter.com/h2nKWLxu33

— Tennis Masterr (@tennismasterr) October 2, 2025

The ATP is considering implementing a heat policy to protect players from extreme weather conditions. This decision comes after several top players, including world number 2 Jannik Sinner and world number 11 Holger Rune, struggled with the heat during recent tournaments. Sinner was forced to retire due to cramps, while Rune questioned whether players had to “die on court” before action was taken.

The ATP's consideration of a heat policy is a response to the growing concern about player welfare in extreme weather conditions. With climate change contributing to rising temperatures, tennis tournaments may face more frequent disruptions due to heat.

“We can handle a certain amount of heat, because we're strong and mentally strong as well, but there is always a limit,” the Dane told reporters.

“It's also important to take care of your health. We need to survive.”

The ATP's medical services team implements several measures to protect player health during extreme heat, including on-site medical teams and weather monitoring. The governing body is evaluating additional measures, including the implementation of an official heat policy, in consultation with players, tournaments, and medical experts.

ATP's Heat Policy Review

The ATP's review of its heat policy comes after a string of retirements at the Shanghai Masters, including:

Jannik Sinner: Withdrew from his match against Tallon Griekspoor due to intense cramping

Casper Ruud: Retired due to illness or injury

Tomas Machac: Retired due to illness or injury

David Goffin: Retired due to illness or injury

Terence Atmane: Retired due to illness or injury

Hamad Medjedovic: Retired due to illness or injury

Wu Yibing: Retired due to illness or injury

Novak Djokovic: Vomited during his match against Yannick Hanfmann due to heat exhaustion

Rune had to take a medical time-out in his match against Ugo Humbert on Sunday because of the heat.

Those who have dropped out due to sickness or injury so far include Casper Ruud, David Goffin, Tomas Machac, Terence Atmane, Hamad Medjedovic and Wu Yibing.

The ATP said in a statement that player safety was its top priority.

Currently, decisions affecting play to do with weather conditions, including heat, “lie with the on-site ATP Supervisor, in coordination with on-site medical teams and local authorities.”  it said.

The ATP's medical services team implements several measures to protect player health in cases of extreme heat. These measures are designed to ensure competitors' well-being and safety during tournaments. The ATP prioritizes player health, and its medical team works closely with tournament officials to monitor and respond to heat-related issues.