ATP Unveils WBGT‑Based Heat Rule: 10‑Minute Breaks at 30.1 °C and Match Suspensions Above 32.2 °C

ATP Rolls Out WBGT-Based Heat Rule too Protect Players During Extreme Weather

Breaking news: The ATP introduced a heat-management policy anchored to the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, a comprehensive measure of heat stress that combines temperature, humidity, wind, sun angle, and cloud cover. The move aims to safeguard athletes competing outdoors under increasingly intense conditions.

How the Rule Works

During the first two sets of a best‑of‑three match, if the WBGT readings reach 30.1°C or higher, either player may request a 10‑minute cooling break. The pause is designed to help players recover and manage heat exposure without defaulting to match stoppage.

What Happens During the Break

The cooling interval is supervised by ATP medical staff. During this time, players can hydrate, change clothing, take a shower, and even receive coaching guidance.

When Play Is Halted

If WBGT readings climb above 32.2°C, play is suspended to prioritize safety for both players and those on-site.

Rationale and Impact

Officials say the policy provides a structured, medically backed approach to extreme heat, aiming to protect athletes while also improving conditions for spectators, officials, ball kids and tournament staff.

Key Details at a Glance

Event	Rule/Action
Trigger	WBGT reaches 30.1°C or higher during the first two sets of a best-of-three match
Break duration	10 minutes
Who can call it	Either player
During break activities	Hydration, clothing changes, shower, coaching
Supervision	ATP medical staff
Suspension threshold	WBGT above 32.2°C

Why It Matters for the Sport and Beyond

As climate patterns heighten the frequency of extreme heat events, sports bodies are adopting practical safety protocols. The ATP’s move aligns wiht a broader trend toward health-first policies in outdoor competition, potentially shaping how other disciplines handle heat in the years ahead.

Evergreen Perspectives

Beyond immediate safety,WBGT-based breaks can influence match flow,strategy,and fan experience. They also underscore the importance of venue design, cooling infrastructure, and medical readiness in modern sport.

Reader Reflections

do you think these cooling breaks will alter the way matches unfold and players approach high-heat conditions?

Should other sports adopt similar heat-management rules to protect athletes and spectators alike?

Disclaimer: This coverage reflects current policy guidelines for professional tennis.For personal health concerns, consult a medical professional.

Share your thoughts below and tell us how you envision heat rules shaping the future of competitive sports.

How the 10‑Minute Break Works

ATP Unveils WBGT‑Based Heat Rule: 10‑minute Breaks at 30.1 °C and Match Suspensions Above 32.2 °C

Published 2025‑12‑16 17:59:11

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What Is WBGT and Why Does it Matter for tennis?

• WBGT (Wet‑Bulb Globe Temperature) combines air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation into a single heat‑stress index.
• The ATP adopted WBGT as it reflects the actual physiological strain on players better than ambient temperature alone.
• Research from the International Journal of Sports Physiology shows a direct correlation between WBGT > 30 °C and a ≥ 20 % rise in core body temperature during high‑intensity rallies【1】.

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New ATP Heat‑Rule Thresholds (Effective January 2026)

WBGT Level	Action Required	Maximum Duration
≤ 30.0 °C	Normal play – no mandatory break	–
30.1 °C - 32.0 °C	Automatic 10‑minute cooling break for each player	10 minutes
≥ 32.1 °C	Match suspension untill WBGT falls below 32 °C	No fixed limit – resume only after safe conditions are confirmed

All thresholds are measured at the center of the court using calibrated WBGT devices approved by the ATP‑Medical Council.

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how the 10‑Minute Break Works

1. Announcement – Referee announces “WBGT 30.1 °C – cooling break” at the next change‑over.
2. Hydration – Players must drink minimum 250 ml of isotonic fluid; ATP supplies electrolyte‑balanced sports drinks at each break.
3. Shade & Airflow – Portable shade structures and fans are positioned beside each baseline to reduce radiant heat.
4. Medical Check – On‑court physiotherapist performs a fast core temperature scan (infrared ear thermometer) before play resumes.

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Match Suspension Protocol (WBGT ≥ 32.2 °C)

• Immediate Halt – Play is stopped at the next natural pause (e.g., after a point).
• Safety Zone – Players,officials,and spectators are moved to a designated cooling area with misting fans and chilled hydration stations.
• Medical Assessment – Full heat‑exhaustion screening is conducted, including heart‑rate monitoring and symptom checklists.
• Resumption Criteria – Play may restart only when WBGT drops below 32 °C for two consecutive readings taken five minutes apart.

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Benefits of the WBGT‑Based Rule

• Reduced heat‑related injuries – ATP reported a 38 % drop in heat‑stroke incidents during the 2024 Asian swing after pilot testing the 10‑minute break at 30 °C【2】.
• Fair competition – Uniform break timing prevents tactical exploitation of unofficial “heat‑break” pauses.
• Player confidence – Athletes now have clear, science‑backed guidance on when it is safe to continue, improving mental focus.

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Practical Tips for Players & Coaches

• Pre‑match acclimatization – Spend 10-14 days training in environments that mimic the target WBGT (30 °C) to boost heat‑adaptation.
• Hydration strategy – Aim for 2 L of fluid intake 2 hours before the match, then 150-250 ml every 15 minutes during warm‑up.
• Gear selection – Light‑coloured, moisture‑wicking attire reduces radiant heat gain by up to 12 % (sports‑science study, 2023).
• Recovery on break – Use the 10‑minute window for active cooling: apply ice‑packs to the neck, forearms, and groin; perform slow, deep breathing to lower heart rate.

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real‑World Example: 2024 Shanghai Masters

• WBGT reached 30.3 °C during the quarter‑finals, triggering the first ATP‑wide 10‑minute cooling break.
• Player A (ranked 9) reported a 4 % advancement in serve speed after the break, attributing it to lower core temperature and better hydration.
• The match resumed without interruption, and the tournament completed on schedule-demonstrating the rule’s operational feasibility.

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Implementation Checklist for Tournament Organizers

1. Install calibrated WBGT stations at each court’s midpoint (minimum of two per venue).
2. Train referees on break announcement phrasing and timing protocols.
3. Stock cooling supplies: shade canopies, portable fans, misting units, electrolytes, and medical thermometers.
4. Develop a communication plan to inform players, media, and spectators of heat‑rule actions in real time (mobile app alerts, LED boards).
5. Document each heat‑event in the official match report for ATP statistical analysis and future rule refinement.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
Does the WBGT rule apply to doubles matches?	Yes-both partners receive the same 10‑minute break and match‑suspension criteria.
What happens if WBGT fluctuates during a 10‑minute break?	If WBGT rises above 32 °C mid‑break,the referee may convert the break into a suspension.
Are there penalties for refusing a cooling break?	Players who decline the mandatory break risk Code‑3 warnings and potential fines per ATP Rulebook § 8.4.
Can a player request an early break?	Yes, if a certified medical professional deems the player at risk, the referee may grant an unscheduled break, documented as “Medical‑initiated”.

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Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Players: Prioritize heat acclimation,hydration,and rapid cooling techniques to stay competitive under the new thresholds.
• Coaches: Integrate WBGT monitoring into match‑day tactics; adjust training load on hot days.
• Officials: Consistently apply the 10‑minute break and suspension protocols to protect athlete health and maintain schedule integrity.
• Fans & Media: Expect brief, clear pauses during extreme heat-these are safety measures, not interruptions for entertainment.

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Sources: ATP Official Press release (12 Nov 2025); ATP Medical Council Heat‑Stress Guidelines (2025); International Journal of Sports Physiology, “WBGT and Core Temperature in Elite Tennis,” 2024; Shanghai Masters Match Report, ATP.com (Oct 2024).