ATP Approves Extreme Heat Policy for 2026

The ATP Tour announced on Monday the approval of a new extreme heat policy, set to take effect in 2026, allowing players a 10-minute cooling break during singles matches when conditions become hazardous. The measure, prompted by a series of heat-related incidents at this year's Shanghai Masters, aims to protect competitors' health amid rising global temperatures.

The policy uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which accounts for air temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation to assess heat stress. In best-of-three sets singles matches, either player may request a cooling break after the second set if the WBGT reaches 30.1 degrees Celsius (86.18 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher during the first two sets. The break, which applies to both players, lasts 10 minutes from the end of the second set's final point and permits hydration, clothing changes, showers, cooling methods, and coaching under ATP medical staff supervision. Play will be suspended entirely if the WBGT exceeds 32.2 degrees Celsius.

This structured approach replaces previous guidelines, under which onsite ATP supervisors, in coordination with medical teams and local authorities, decided on suspensions...