Hotter conditions are making professional tennis more dangerous, with players experiencing overheating, vomiting, and cramping.
Now, a cooling break — or even a halt to play — is an option under an ATP Tour rule that can protect athletes.
Here's what to know
As detailed in a YouTube video by EcoBits (@EcoBitsOfficial), the ATP is applying its first tour-wide heat policy.
Wet-bulb globe temperature measurements inform the policy's assessment of on-court heat stress. Cloud cover and the sun's angle along with wind conditions, humidity, and air temperature shape the measurement.
Both a cooling break or halt to play depend on this heat-stress evaluation, not the outdoor temperature.
More background
Some athletes have been unable to finish matches because of overheating, vomiting, or cramps. According to EcoBits, the policy responds to an increase in players experiencing these health problems.
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The creator also cited a study that examined major tennis tournaments from the last 50 years. According to the account, the probability that temperatures would reach at least 82 degrees Fahrenheit had risen to 67% by 2020.
What's being done?
Under the ATP rule, players can take a 10-minute cooling pause when the wet-bulb globe temperature reaches 86.2.
If that measurement exceeds 90, matches will stop until conditions get better.
"Climate change threatens our perceived norms of just about everything," the narrator said. "This is just one small example of humans having to adapt. So, if the climate can change the rules of the game, what's next?"
Where can I learn more?
Heat poses severe risks.
• In Phoenix, three ROTC students were hospitalized after overheating during outdoor activities.
• Los Angeles doctors urged skin wetting for cooling as unusual humidity made heat more dangerous.
• Western Europe's record heat killed at least 35,000, prompting a warning from the WHO.
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