ATP takes action after seeing Novak Djokovic and | Sports News

The ATP Tour will formally introduce a heat rule starting in 2026. This yr’s Shanghai Masters descended into chaos as rivals battled via oppressively sizzling and humid climate situations.

Novak Djokovic was sick on courtroom a number of instances all through the occasion, whereas Jannik Sinner was compelled to withdraw as a result of of critical cramping. Holger Rune and Matteo Berrettini have been amongst a number of gamers who urged the ATP to intervene and implement modifications.

Tennis authorities have now responded, with the boys’s tour set to undertake the WTA Tour’s use of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to determine when varied cooling protocols must be activated, together with the potential suspension of matches during excessive heat. It comes as a tennis legend made a Serena Williams comeback prediction with a Venus idea.

The rule will apply to best-of-three set singles contests on the ATP Tour. When the WBGT hits 30.1 levels Celsius or above during the opening two units, rivals could request a 10-minute cooling interval between the second and third units. Either competitor could make the request, and as soon as granted, each gamers benefit.

Throughout the 10-minute interval, rivals are allowed to “utilize cooling measures, hydrate, change clothing, shower and receive coaching, under the supervision of ATP medical staff.” When the WBGT surpasses 32.2 levels Celsius, matches will likely be halted solely. A contest will proceed till the top of the continued sport or tiebreak, after which the supervisor will droop action on all outside courts on the identical time.

Outdoor follow periods will likewise be stopped. During a halt within the sport, athletes will likely be escorted to locker rooms or “cooling zones” the place ATP medical personnel will keep a close watch. The match will recommence as soon as the WBGT falls under 30.1 levels Celsius for a length of 20 minutes.

The ATP said: “The new heat rule provides a structured, medically supported approach to managing extreme heat, with the objective of safeguarding player health, while also improving conditions for spectators, officials, ball persons, and tournament staff.”

Players reiterated their demand for a heat rule during the Shanghai Masters in October, when the climate situations prompted disruptions during video games. Seven gamers retired within the primary three rounds, whereas a number of had their vitals checked mid-game.

At that time, Rune, who made it to the quarter-finals in Shanghai, expressed: “I think there should be some kind of rule. We can handle a certain amount of heat because, you know, we are fit, we’re strong, we’re mentally strong as well, but there’s always a limit. I think it’s also important to take care of your health. We need to survive.”

Matteo Berrettini argued: “When conditions are so extreme, the ATP needs to do what the Grand Slams did: introduce a heat rule or something similar.”

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard recounted his ordeal, saying he “thought he was dying on the court” when he defeated Taylor Fritz on an exceptionally sizzling day.