LONDON: The ATP Tour has announced it will introduce a new heat policy from the 2026 season in response to growing concerns over extreme playing conditions on the men’s tennis circuit. The decision follows a series of retirements caused by soaring temperatures and oppressive humidity at the Shanghai Masters earlier this year.
According to the ATP, the new rule will be based on the internationally recognised Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which measures heat stress in direct sunlight. The policy will set clear thresholds for cooling measures and, if necessary, the suspension of play to better protect those on court.
“The new heat rule provides a structured, medically supported approach to managing extreme heat, with the objective of safeguarding player health,” the ATP said in a statement. The governing body added that the measures would also improve conditions for fans, officials, ball persons and tournament staff.
Under the policy, if the WBGT reaches 30.1 degrees Celsius or higher during the first two sets of a best-of-three singles match, either player may request a 10-minute cooling break after the second set. The break will apply to both competitors, reflecting the ATP’s broader push to adapt the sport to increasingly challenging climate conditions.
