The rule defines clear thresholds for cooling breaks and match interruptions.
Following growing criticism from tennis pros, the ATP is introducing a mandatory heat protection rule starting in the 2026 season. The men’s organization announced this on Monday evening. The ATP is thus aligning itself with the guidelines of the WTA, which introduced such measures years ago. The new heat rule offers “a structured, medically supported approach to dealing with extreme heat, with the aim of protecting the health of players,” according to a statement. The new regulation is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which takes into account temperature, humidity, and other factors. The rule defines clear thresholds for cooling breaks and match interruptions. According to the rule, professionals can request a ten-minute cooling break after the second set of a three-set match if the WBGT value reaches 30.1 degrees or more. If the WBGT value exceeds 32.2 degrees, the match is interrupted.
In October, Denmark’s Holger Rune, among others, complained about “brutal” conditions in Shanghai. “Do you want a player to die on the court?” Rune asked an official at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and humidity of more than 80 percent.
The measure is also intended to improve conditions for spectators, officials, ball kids, and tournament staff. The four Grand Slam tournaments will retain their own guidelines.
