SHANGHAI — In a significant move prompted by high-profile incidents and mounting player concerns, the ATP has announced a new rule mandating the installation of on-court cooling stations at all ATP Tour events in 2025. The decision comes after a series of player complaints about extreme heat, most notably during last year's Shanghai Masters where world No. 1 Novak Djokovic visibly struggled in oppressive conditions.
The new regulation, confirmed in a recent ATP rulebook update, requires tournaments in the ATP 500 and ATP 1000 categories to provide a dedicated, shaded cooling area courtside, equipped with ice baths, cold towels, and other recovery tools. This allows players to utilize their allotted 90-second changeovers and 120-second set breaks more effectively for temperature management, rather than being confined to their chairs. The move is a direct response to what players have described as increasingly dangerous playing environments.
The Shanghai Catalyst: Djokovic's Public Struggle
The issue was thrust into the spotlight during the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters. In his round of 16 match against Croatia's Borna Gojo, Novak Djokovic, a player renowned for his physical endurance, was seen gasping for air, leaning on his racket for support, and requiring medical attention. The heat index, combining temperature and humidity, soared well above 30°C (86°F). Djokovic later described the conditions as "some of the most humid and toughest we have ever experienced."
His experience was not isolated. Numerous players in Shanghai complained of dizziness, cramping, and an inability to recover between points. The tournament's use of a retractable roof, while shielding from sun, was criticized for trapping humidity and creating a stifling, stagnant atmosphere. Djokovic’s very public battle became a powerful symbol, amplifying long-standing player grievances about the Tour's inconsistent and often inadequate heat policies. "We have to talk more about it," Djokovic stated post-match, "because it's becoming a real issue and a problem for players."
Mounting Pressure and Player Advocacy
For years, the ATP and WTA have operated with a Heat Stress Scale that can lead to the suspension of play, but players argued the protocols were reactive rather than preventative. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Djokovic, has been a vocal advocate for standardized, player-centric safety measures. The incidents in Shanghai accelerated these discussions at the governance level. Player council representatives pushed for a tangible solution that could be implemented immediately during matches, leading to the concept of the active cooling station.
Other top players echoed the concerns. Daniil Medvedev has famously spoken about feeling "like I'm going to die" in Tokyo's heat. Taylor Fritz and Andrey Rublev have also been outspoken. The collective feedback highlighted a key problem: sitting in a chair under a towel, even with ice, was insufficient for core body temperature reduction. The new rule aims to address this by providing tools for more aggressive cooling, similar to those used in sports like American football and marathon running.
What the New Rule Entails
The ATP's mandate specifies minimum requirements for the cooling stations, ensuring a baseline standard across all major tournaments. Key components include:
- A shaded, ventilated structure located just off the court.
- Portable ice baths or plunge pools for rapid limb cooling.
- An ample supply of ice, cold towels, and cooling vests.
Furthermore, tournaments are encouraged to provide electrolyte-replacement drinks and have trained medical personnel monitoring the stations. The rule formalizes a practice that was already being trialed successfully at some events, like the ATP Finals in Turin, and marks a shift from viewing heat management as a player's individual responsibility to a shared duty of care with the tournament.
Broader Context: Climate and Scheduling
The ATP's rule change is part of a larger, urgent conversation within global sports about adapting to climate change. Tennis has a uniquely challenging schedule, with events spanning continents and climates year-round. The summer hardcourt swing in North America, the autumn Asian swing with its high humidity, and even the Australian Open have faced notorious heat waves. The new cooling stations are a pragmatic adaptation, but players and analysts note it is likely just the first step.
Discussions are ongoing about more radical adjustments, such as:
- Re-evaluating the traditional summer calendar for certain regions.
- Implementing uniform, more aggressive heat-rule thresholds across all tours.
- Exploring advanced court surface technologies that reduce radiant heat.
As PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar stated, "The health and safety of players cannot be compromised. This new rule is a positive step, but continuous evaluation and improvement of working conditions is essential."
Conclusion: A Proactive Step Forward
The ATP's announcement represents a meaningful, proactive shift in prioritizing athlete welfare. By mandating on-court cooling stations, the Tour is moving beyond discretionary measures and providing a standardized tool to combat a clear and present danger. While sparked by the visible distress of a star like Novak Djokovic in Shanghai, the rule change addresses a universal challenge faced by all competitors. It acknowledges the evolving physical demands of the sport and the changing environmental realities of the global calendar.
The implementation in 2025 will be closely watched by players, tournaments, and the WTA, which may follow suit. Ultimately, this policy underscores a growing recognition in professional tennis that protecting the well-being of its athletes is not just good ethics, but fundamental to the sport's integrity and longevity. As extreme weather events become more frequent, such adaptations will likely become the new baseline for hosting elite athletic competition.