Extreme heat and humidity plagued the 2025 Shanghai Masters and WTA Wuhan Open, testing players’ endurance. Temperatures exceeded 30°C, accompanied by humidity levels over 80%, prompting health concerns. Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Emma Raducanu faced severe challenges, with calls for better heat policies growing louder.
At the Shanghai Masters, Denmark’s Holger Rune labelled conditions “brutal,” asking, “Do you want a player to die on court?” Novak Djokovic, 38, vomited during his quarter-final win against Jaume Munar on October 7, battling heat and an ankle scare. “It’s very challenging physically,” he said. Zverev, ranked world number three, sweated profusely during a Monday loss, highlighting the oppressive conditions.
Il craque et… vomit sur le court : l’incroyable galère de Novak Djokovic à Shanghai https://t.co/DppDjONlT6
— RTL info (@rtlinfo) October 7, 2025The ATP lacks a heat rule, leaving decisions to on-site supervisors and medical teams. Rune urged reform, and the ATP confirmed it’s reviewing policies. Forecasts predict 32–33°C for Sunday’s final, worsening the challenge.
In Wuhan, the WTA’s heat rule was activated on Monday and Tuesday, suspending play on outdoor courts. Emma Raducanu retired from her first-round match due to dizziness, while Jelena Ostapenko also withdrew. Iga Swiatek called for better scheduling, noting, “Centre court is cooler with air conditioning.” The WTA allows a 10-minute break between sets and a roof closure, but highs above 30°C persist throughout the week.
France’s Arthur Rinderknech, a Shanghai quarter-finalist, said, “It’s tough for ball boys, umpires, and fans too.” Spectators used fans and cool packs to cope. Climate change, driving frequent extreme weather, exacerbates these conditions, scientists warn.
The heat crisis poses a threat to player safety and performance, prompting tennis bodies to adopt robust policies. With no rain forecast, Shanghai’s open roof and Wuhan’s outdoor courts amplify risks.
