ATP Considers Formal Heat Policy After Shanghai Masters Retirements

Following numerous withdrawals at the Shanghai Masters, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) is weighing the possibility of introducing an official heat policy. Several athletes were compelled to retire as a result of sicknesses or injuries brought on by the extreme heat, including reigning champion Jannik Sinner.

Sinner, who is ranked second globally, had to stop his third-round match due to severe cramps. Novak Djokovic, despite making it through, was seen throwing up on the court and called the conditions ‘brutal’.

During a medical timeout related to the heat and humidity, Danish player Holger Rune questioned authorities about player safety, saying that athletes would have to ‘die on court’.

Temperatures that surpassed 30°C (86°F), along with humidity levels exceeding 80%, stretched many players past their physical limits. Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, David Goffin, and Wu Yibing, a local favorite, were also impacted and had to retire mid-match.

The calls for an official heat rule were amplified by Arthur Rinderknech’s collapse in similar conditions during the Cincinnati Open in August.

The ATP currently delegates weather-related judgements to on-site supervisors, but the governing body has stated that changes may be coming soon.

The ATP stated in an official statement that player safety is their top priority and that they are assessing other safeguards in addition to the heat policy.

It further stated that this is still being actively reviewed and that more measures, such as implementing an official heat policy, are being considered in consultation with players, tournaments, and medical professionals.

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