Shanghai Masters heat forces players to battle extreme conditions

Shanghai Masters heat forces top tennis stars like Djokovic and Raducanu to battle extreme temperatures and humidity, raising player safety concerns. Tennis fans witnessed an intense battle against both opponents and the blazing heat at the 2025 Shanghai Masters. With temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F) and humidity exceeding 80%, top players faced severe physical challenges, prompting discussions about player safety and heat regulations.

Djokovic Battles Heat and Injury

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, struggled through his round-of-16 match against Spain’s Jaume Munar, grappling not only with the relentless heat but also an ankle injury scare. The 38-year-old Serbian star had moments where he crouched on the court, visibly fatigued, and even vomited before continuing to fight through three grueling sets.

The withdrawal of world number one Carlos Alcaraz before the tournament and defending champion Jannik Sinner retiring with cramp has opened opportunities in the draw, but the extreme conditions added another layer of challenge for the remaining players.

Extreme Conditions Impact Other Top Players

Germany’s Alexander Zverev, ranked third in the world, faced his own battle with the heat, reportedly having to pause mid-match to wring sweat out of his shoes. Meanwhile, young Danish star Holger Rune described the conditions as “brutal” and raised a serious concern: “Do you want a player to die on court?”

Emma Raducanu’s dizziness forced her to retire from her match in Wuhan, highlighting that both male and female players are feeling the heat’s full impact.

WTA vs ATP: Heat Policies in Place

While the ATP currently leaves heat-related decisions to on-site supervisors and medical teams, the WTA has an official heat policy. At the Wuhan Open, extreme temperatures triggered the WTA’s heat rule, allowing players to take a 10-minute break between the second and third sets. The rule also permits partial or full roof closure on the main court to reduce exposure.

Iga Swiatek, world number two, emphasized the importance of scheduling matches to protect players:

“I hope the other matches will be scheduled at a time where girls can compete, rather than just die on the court.”

Fan and Staff Struggle Too

The punishing weather isn’t just affecting players. Spectators, ball boys, and officials are also coping with the suffocating humidity, often using handheld fans or cooling packs to survive the day. Arthur Rinderknech, a quarterfinalist, noted that everyone on-site “was struggling, not just the players.”

Rising Temperatures Raise Climate Concerns

Shanghai and Wuhan are experiencing above-average temperatures for this time of year, reflecting a broader trend tied to climate change. Scientists warn that extreme weather events, including heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-driven global warming.

Call for ATP Heat Rule

Players and experts are urging the ATP to adopt a formal heat policy similar to the WTA’s to safeguard athletes. Holger Rune’s call to action highlights the growing urgency of addressing player welfare in the face of increasingly extreme conditions.