Top Players Struggle as Shanghai Masters Faces Heat Challenges

SHANGHAI, China – The ATP is considering a formal heat rule following a series of retirements at the Shanghai Masters due to extreme temperatures and high humidity. This week, several top players struggled to finish matches in harsh conditions.

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner had to retire from his third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor on Sunday after suffering severe cramping in his right thigh. His early exit came as he defended his title.

“It was brutal,” said Novak Djokovic after his match, in which he vomited due to the heat during his clash with Yannick Hanfmann. “With over 80% humidity every day, playing in the sun is even more brutal.”

In addition to Sinner and Djokovic, other players like Holger Rune and Casper Ruud retired mid-match due to illness or injury. The temperature reached approximately 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the tournament, with humidity levels often exceeding 80%.

The call for a heat rule has been growing since an incident in August in Cincinnati, where Arthur Rinderknech collapsed during a match. The ATP confirmed it is reviewing policies regarding player health and safety in extreme weather.

“Player safety remains a top priority for the ATP,” the governing body stated, indicating that it is open to implementing more structured measures such as formal heat policies.

Currently, decisions on suspending play because of heat are made by an onsite supervisor, who collaborates with medical teams. Other sports, like soccer and Formula One, already have established guidelines for extreme weather conditions.