ATP Introduces New Extreme Heat Policy For 2026 Season

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has announced a significant rule change, set to be implemented from the 2026 season, which will allow players on the men’s tour to take a 10-minute cooling break during best-of-three-sets singles matches in conditions of extreme heat.

This new measure mirrors similar protections introduced by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) – the governing body for women’s professional tennis – more than three decades ago to safeguard players from the rigours of high temperatures.

The necessity for such a rule was starkly highlighted at the Shanghai Masters in October, where daytime temperatures soared to 34C with a humidity level of 80%. During his third-round match, world number 15 Holger Rune required medical treatment and was heard questioning an official: “Do you want a player to die on court?”

In an official statement, the ATP confirmed that the new policy aims at “strengthening protections for players competing in extreme conditions.”

The new rule’s activation will be determined by the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a comprehensive measure of heat stress in direct sunlight. This metric accounts for various environmental factors including temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover.

Should the WBGT reach 30.1C or higher during the first two sets of a best-of-three match, either player will be permitted to request a 10-minute cooling break. During this interval, under the direct supervision of ATP medical staff, players will be able to hydrate, change clothing, shower, and receive coaching.

Furthermore, play will be automatically suspended if the WBGT exceeds 32.2C.

“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 statement elaborated.