"I think every player would agree on that" - Holger Rune advocates for ATP to instate heat rule due to humid conditions at Shanghai Masters

As rising temperatures continue to make things difficult for players at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, Danish tennis star Holger Rune has called for the ATP to introduce a heat rule, similar to that of Grand Slams, that will allow for extended breaks and match suspensions.

Rune faced Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the sweltering heat on Tuesday at the ongoing Shanghai Masters. The former World No.4 survived the three-set encounter, but had a lot to say after his match regarding the brutal court conditions.

"I think there should be a heat rule like there are in the Grand Slam,” said Rune after the match. “I think every player would agree on that. Today was better…today was less hot. But again, it was less hot, but if it was more normal temperature today would be very hot. I think it was like 31 degrees and very humid. But compared to the other days it was pretty brutal.

“We can handle a certain amount of heat because, you know, we are fit, we're strong, we're mentally strong as well, but there's always a limit. I think it's also important to take care of your health. We need to survive. I think some kind of rule, you know, not that we should stop if it's just more than this, but like the Grand Slam, you know, they have a feeling on when it's a little bit too much, and we wait a little bit to see if it drops."

Rune is not the only ATP star to be affected by the intense heat in Shanghai. World No.2 Jannik Sinner was forced to retire in his thrid-round clash with Tallon Griekspoor as the Italian struggled to walk due to cramps in his right thigh.

Furthermore, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic vomited during his third-round encounter with German Yannick Hanfmann. The Serbian would prevail in three sets, but looked worse for wear at the end of the match. Other ATP stars including Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, David Goffin, Terrence Atmane, Hamad Medjedovic and Wu Yibing were unable to pull through and retired mid-match due to illness or injury in the early rounds.

Following the backlash received from players and fans, the ATP responded by stating it was open to change and their current heat policy was being reviewed.

"In parallel, the ATP Medical Services team implements several measures in cases of extreme heat, to help protect player health during competition," the governing body told Reuters via email. "This remains under active review and additional measures including the implementation of an official heat policy are currently being evaluated in consultation with players, tournaments, and medical experts. Player safety remains a top priority for the ATP."