What's happened
The ATP has introduced new heat safety measures based on WBGT, allowing players to request cooling breaks and suspend matches in extreme heat conditions. The move aligns with other sports and aims to protect players amid rising global temperatures, with the rules not applying to Grand Slams.
What's behind the headline?
The ATP's adoption of WBGT-based heat rules signifies a critical shift in sports safety protocols, aligning tennis with other major sports like Formula One. This structured approach will likely reduce heat-related health risks, such as cramps and heatstroke, during matches. The decision underscores the growing influence of climate change on sports, as rising global temperatures make extreme heat conditions more common. By allowing players to request cooling breaks at specific WBGT thresholds, the ATP prioritizes health without disrupting the sport's integrity. However, the exclusion of Grand Slams from these rules highlights ongoing inconsistencies in heat policies across tennis. This move will likely pressure Grand Slam organizers to revisit their policies, potentially leading to more unified global standards. Overall, the ATP's measures will improve player safety and set a precedent for other sports to follow, emphasizing the urgent need to adapt to climate realities.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the ATP's new heat rules are based on WBGT measurements, allowing cooling breaks at 30.1°C and suspending play above 32.2°C, aiming to safeguard health amid rising global temperatures. AP News highlights that these policies are a response to recent extreme conditions at tournaments like Shanghai, where players like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic expressed concerns. The move aligns tennis with other sports such as Formula One, which already have measures to protect drivers. The Japan Times also notes that Grand Slams maintain separate policies, which could lead to future standardization efforts. The articles collectively emphasize the increasing impact of climate change on sports safety protocols and the importance of structured, medically supported responses.
How we got here
The ATP's new heat safety measures follow increasing concerns over extreme weather conditions affecting players, highlighted by recent incidents at the Shanghai Masters. These policies are part of broader efforts across sports to address climate change impacts, with Grand Slams maintaining separate policies.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Aryna Siarhiejeŭna Sabalenka (born 5 May 1998) is a Belarusian professional tennis player. She is currently the world No. 1 in women's singles by the WTA, and is a former world No. 1 in doubles. Sabalenka has won 21 WTA Tour-level singles titles, includi