ATP considers the adoption of an official rule of brutal weather conditions, after the numerous abandones at Shanghai

The male tennis management body could consider the adoption of an official heat rule, after a series of abandonments registered during the 1000 Masters of Shanghai has over the main picture of the competition, notes Reuters. Top players have given up in the face of high temperatures and excessive humidity.

Trying to defend his title conquered last year ended agonly for the world number two, Jannik Sinnerthe Italian having difficulty because of the cramps at the right thigh. The champion at Australian Open and Wimbledon has tried with all powers to stay on the ground under brutal weather conditions, heat combined with a very high humidity, but the right leg simply could not support it.

After all, he abandoned in the decisive set of the match in round 3 with Tallon Griekspoorat the score of 6-7 (3), 7-5, 3-2 in favor of the opponent.

Abandones and Time-Outs in series at Shanghai

Novak Djokovic He vomited during the match with Yannick Hanfmann, then in the one with Jaume Munar, and Holger Rune He told Supervisor Gerry Armstrong during a medical break in the match with Ugo Humbert, if you want to die a player on the field? ” under conditions of heat and humidity.

Holger Rune receiving medical care at Shanghai Photo: X

“It's the same for all, but it's brutal when humidity is 80% day after day. Especially for those who play in the morning, the sun makes everything even worse. To me, from a biological point of view, it is even harder to manage these things“Said Novak Djokovic.

Others, including Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, David Goffin, Terrence Atmane, Hamad Medjedovic and Wu yibingfailed to resist and withdrew during their matches due to the bad condition or injury in the first rounds. Argentine Francisco Comesana He was close to collapse in the duel in the second round, being helped by his opponent, Lorenzo Musetti.

The temperature was approximately 30 degrees Celsius Throughout the first rounds, humidity sometimes exceeding 80%.

ATP: “The safety of the players remains an absolute priority”

The need for an official ATP rule on the heat appeared in August, in Cincinnati, when Arthur Rinderknech It collapsed on the field during a match played in hot heat conditions, before abandoning Felix Auger-aliassime.

According to the ATP regulation, the decisions regarding the suspension of the game due to the unfavorable weather conditions – including the extreme heat – belong to an ATP supervisor present at the tournament, which coordinates the medical teams from the place, as well as the local authorities.

Novak Djokovic facing the harsh conditions from Shanghai Photo: Guliver/Gettyimages

“In parallel, the ATP Medical Services team implements several measures in case of extreme heat, to protect the health of the players during the competition,” said the body of male tennis for e-mail.

However, the leading forum said it is open to changes. “This aspect remains in progress, and additional measures, including the implementation of an official heat policy, are currently evaluated in consultation with players, tournaments and medical experts“He added.”The safety of the players remains an absolute priority for ATP”.

Several professional sports, including football, formula 1 and cycling, have implemented official policies to deal with extreme weather conditions.

The ATP should not look for a frame outside the tennis, given that the Grand Slam tournaments and the WTA circuit have officially introduced rules that allow prolonged breaks and the suspension of matches, the Reuters material shows.