The question of how hot is too hot for tennis is now being addressed by the ATP. After players endured extreme conditions at several events this year, the men’s tour will roll out an extreme heat policy starting in 2026. This move aligns the ATP with the WTA, which has long had its own heat protections, and mirrors safety measures seen in sports like Formula One.
Earlier this year, Danish player Holger Rune described Shanghai Masters conditions as “brutal,” with temperatures above 30°C (86°F) and humidity over 80%. He even asked aloud, “Do you want a player to die on court?” as he struggled under the intense heat.
In response, the ATP announced that it would strengthen protections for players competing in extreme heat. The forthcoming rules will rely on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, a composite measure that accounts for air temperature, humidity, wind, and other factors to gauge the risk of heat stress on athletes."
