Heat exhaustion poses a significant risk to tennis players, as recent events at the Shanghai Masters and the Wuhan Open highlight. The extreme weather conditions have sparked concerns about player safety on court.
Tennis Heat Exhaustion: Rising Concerns Among Players
During the Shanghai Masters, temperatures soared to 34°C with humidity levels reaching 80%. These intense conditions prompted Holger Rune to ask an official, “Do you want a player to die on court?” as he received medical attention during a match.
These harsh conditions were mirrored at the Wuhan Open, where Emma Raducanu withdrew from her first-round match due to dizziness. On Monday, matches on the outside courts were halted, and the roof on the main court was closed to protect players from the excessive heat.
Effects of Extreme Heat on Players
- Jelena Ostapenko retired from her match with Sorana Cirstea, later revealing she had suffered heat stroke.
- Iga Swiatek, after winning against Marie Bouzkova, expressed relief for not playing on Monday, commenting that the heat was excessive.
- Novak Djokovic described his match as “brutal,” while Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard reported feeling like he was “dying on the court” due to humidity.
- Jannik Sinner experienced cramps that hindered his ability to walk during his match.
Terence Atmane, who called it quits in his first-round match, shared on Instagram that he experienced intense physical stress and trembling due to the heat. He recalled feeling suffocated and feared losing consciousness during the match.
Call for Heat Regulations
Rune criticized the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for lacking a heat rule. He emphasized the necessity for regulations to ensure player safety, stating, “We can handle a certain amount of heat… but there is always a limit.” He stressed the importance of prioritizing health and survival on the court.
As the tennis community grapples with these mounting concerns, it becomes clear that measures should be taken to safeguard players against extreme weather conditions in future tournaments.
