Shanghai Masters: ATP open to heat policy after players drop out in ‘brutal’ conditions
World men’s tennis body says it could bring in a formal rule after high heat, humidity see top players struggling to finish matches
The governing body of men’s tennis could consider a formal heat rule after a string of retirements at the Shanghai Masters this week blew the draw wide open, with top players wilting under soaring temperatures and punishing humidity.
World No 2 Jannik Sinner’s title defence ended in agony on Sunday when the Italian struggled to walk because of cramp in his right thigh before he retired in the deciding set of his third-round clash with Tallon Griekspoor.
Novak Djokovic vomited during his encounter with Yannick Hanfmann while Holger Rune was heard asking an official during a medical timeout in his meeting with Ugo Humbert if players had to “die on court” amid the heat and humidity.
“It’s the same for every player out on the court, but it’s brutal,” Djokovic said after he battled to victory.
“It’s brutal when you have over 80 per cent humidity day after day, particularly for the guys when they’re playing during the day with the heat, with the sun – it’s even more brutal.”
Others including Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, David Goffin, Terence Atmane, Hamad Medjedovic and Wu Yibing were unable to pull through and retired mid-match because of illness or injury in the early rounds.