Wed, December 17, 2025
ATP to introduce new heat policy in 2026 following several mid-match retirements this season, aligning itself with the WTA
The ATP Tour, which governs men’s professional tennis, will introduce a new heat policy starting from the 2026 season following the mid-match retirements of 7 players as a result of extremely high temperatures and humidity at the Shanghai Masters this season. The tournament took place from 1 October 2025 to 12 October 2025. Although he did not drop out, Novak Djokovic, for example, was visibly sick during the tournament and Danish player Holger Rune asked an official if players were expected to “die on court.”
The new policy is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which measures human heat stress in direct sunlight. The index communicates thresholds for cooling interventions and the suspension of activity altogether. If the index reaches 30.1°C or higher during the first 2 sets of a best-of-three-set singles match, a 10-minute cooling pause after the second set can be requested by either competitor. “During the break, players may utilise cooling measures, hydrate, change clothing, shower and receive coaching, under the supervision of ATP medical staff.”
A match will be suspended entirely once the index goes past 32.2°C. Previously, this decision was made by the ATP supervisor with consultation from others such as medical staff.
The ATP voiced: “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.”
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has utilised the WBGT since 1992. The new ATP policy also applies to the Four Grand Slams as well.
The ATP’s statement can be found here.
