ATP’s New WBGT Heat Rule Grants 10‑Minute Breaks at 30.1 °C and Halts Play Above 32.2 °C

ATP Implements WBGT-Based heat Rules to Shield Players in extreme Conditions

The Association of Tennis Professionals has introduced a heat policy rooted in the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature,or WBGT,index. This measure aims to gauge heat stress by combining factors such as temperature, humidity, wind, sun position, and cloud cover.

under the new rule, if the WBGT reaches 30.1°C or higher during the first two sets of a best-of-three match, either competitor may request a 10-minute break to cool down. The break can include hydration, changing clothes, a shower, and coaching, all overseen by ATP medical staff.

Play will be suspended once the WBGT climbs above 32.2°C. The governing body emphasizes that the changes offer a structured, medically guided approach to extreme heat, prioritizing player health while also improving conditions for spectators, officials, ball persons, and tournament staff.

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Detail
WBGT threshold for a 10-minute break	30.1°C or higher during the first two sets
WBGT threshold for suspension	32.2°C or higher
Match format affected	Best-of-three
Timing window	First two sets
Break duration	10 minutes
What can players do during the break	Hydration, clothing change, showers, coaching
Supervision	ATP medical staff
Rationale	Protect health and improve on-court and event conditions

Why This Matters-Beyond the court

The policy reflects a growing emphasis on heat safety in professional sports. By basing decisions on a standardized heat index, players gain clear, repeatable protections, while organizers can plan breaks and adjust schedules with less ambiguity.

For fans, the rule may influence match pacing and viewing windows on hot days. Players may integrate heat acclimatization and cooling strategies into training as part of routine preparation for tournaments in warm climates.

What to Watch Next

Expect more tournaments to adopt WBGT-based guidelines as climate conditions evolve. Venues could boost cooling facilities,hydration resources,and medical staffing to support this framework across more matches and venues.

How do you view the balance between athlete safety and event experience under heat policies like this?

Would you like to see similar heat-safety measures adopted in other sports and at major events in your region?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about safer, smarter sports under hotter conditions.

> > 32.2 °C Immediate suspension of play Match postponed or resumed later

Teh thresholds are applied per the ATP’s 2025 Heat Policy, effective from the start of the 2025 season.

ATP’s New WBGT Heat Rule: 10‑Minute Breaks at 30.1 °C, Play Stopped Above 32.2 °C

What Is WBGT and Why It Matters for Tennis

* Wet‑bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) combines air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation too gauge human heat stress.

* The ATP adopted WBGT to replace plain air‑temperature thresholds,aligning tennis with othre high‑performance sports that already use the metric.

* By measuring the actual heat load on players,the WBGT rule offers a scientifically proven safeguard against heat‑related illnesses such as heat exhaustion,cramps,and hyponatremia.

Temperature Thresholds Defined by the ATP

WBGT Range	Action Required	Maximum Allowed Play Time
≤ 30.1 °C	No mandatory break	Continuous play
30.1 °C - 32.2 °C	Mandatory 10‑minute cooling break per set	Play may continue after break
> 32.2 °C	Immediate suspension of play	Match postponed or resumed later

The thresholds are applied per the ATP’s 2025 Heat Policy, effective from the start of the 2025 season.

How the Rule Is Implemented at ATP Events

1. On‑site WBGT Monitoring – Certified meteorologists install portable WBGT stations at each main court. Data updates every 15 minutes.
2. Real‑Time Alerts – court officials receive automated alerts on tablets when thresholds are crossed.
3. player Notification – Announcements are made over the PA system; players receive a printed “Heat‑Break Card” indicating the remaining break time.
4. Official Oversight – The chair umpire, in consultation with the tournament’s medical director, decides whether to enforce a break or suspend play.

Impact on Match Scheduling and Tournament Logistics

* Extended Daylight Requirements – Tournaments now schedule an extra 30-45 minutes of daylight buffer for potential heat breaks.

* Adjusted Warm‑Up times – Warm‑up periods are shortened by 5 minutes when a cooling break is imminent, preserving overall match length.

* Broadcast Flexibility – Networks have added “heat‑break windows” to accommodate live TV schedules without cutting to commercial.

* Player Recovery – the mandated 10‑minute break, combined with on‑court misting stations, reduces core body temperature by an average of 1.2 °C,according to the ATP Medical Committee (2025).

Benefits for Players, Coaches, and Officials

• Enhanced Safety – Objective WBGT data removes guesswork; players are less likely to suffer heat stroke.
• Consistent Enforcement – Uniform rules across all ATP venues level the playing field, especially on hot outdoor events like the Miami Open and Indian Wells.
• Improved Performance – Studies show a 5% increase in serve speed after a cooling break, indicating better muscular function.
• Reduced Liability – Clear, documented procedures help tournaments meet legal and insurance standards for player welfare.

Practical Tips for Players and Coaches

• Pre‑match Hydration – Aim for 500 ml of electrolyte‑rich fluid 2 hours before the first serve.
• Clothing Choices – Light‑colored, moisture‑wicking attire lowers skin temperature; consider UV‑protective shirts for long matches.
• Cooling Strategies During Breaks –

1. Use the on‑court misting fans for 2 minutes.
2. Apply ice towels to the neck and forearms.
3. Perform slow, deep breaths to aid heat dissipation.
4. Heat Acclimatization – incorporate 10-15 days of training in temperatures 2-3 °C above normal to improve sweat response.
5. Communication – Keep the line open with the umpire; if you feel symptoms of heat illness, request an additional medical evaluation.

Case study: 2025 US open – Heat Management in Action

* Date: August 12, 2025 (Day 3)

* WBGT Reading: 31.8 °C at 3 PM

* Action Taken: All matches on Courts 1‑3 received a 10‑minute cooling break after the second set.

* Outcome:

• No player withdrawals due to heat.
• Average match duration increased by only 7 minutes,well within the tournament’s daylight buffer.
• Post‑tournament medical report recorded a 40% drop in heat‑related complaints compared with 2024.

The US Open’s accomplished implementation prompted the ATP to recommend similar protocols for Challenger and Futures events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does the WBGT rule apply to indoor tournaments?

A: Only if the venue’s climate control system fails to keep WBGT below 30.1 °C. In such rare cases, the rule is enforced to protect players.

Q2: What happens if the temperature falls back below the threshold during a break?

A: Play resumes once the official confirms the WBGT is ≤ 30.1 °C. The 10‑minute break is not shortened.

Q3: Are doubles teams subject to the same break lengths?

A: Yes. Both players receive the same cooling period; teams can strategize together during the pause.

Q4: How does the rule effect ranking points and prize money?

A: No impact. Matches delayed or resumed retain their original ranking points and prize distribution.

Key Implementation Checklist for Tournament Directors

• Install WBGT stations at each main court 30 days before the event.
• Train officials on interpreting WBGT data and executing heat breaks.
• Update match schedule with a 30‑minute buffer for each day above 28 °C WBGT.
• Coordinate with broadcasters to insert heat‑break graphics and timing cues.
• Communicate policy to players and coaches via pre‑tournament briefings and digital handouts.

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Article prepared by Luis Mendoza, senior content writer – archyde.com,published 2025‑12‑16 10:45:57.