Professional tennis analyst calls for rule change on the ATP Tour after developments in Cincinnati

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The conditions in Cincinnati have been brutal, as several players have struggled with the heat.

During his third-round match with Felix Auger-Aliassime, French star Arthur Rinderknech became overwhelmed by the scorching-hot weather in Cincinnati.

After losing the first set in a tiebreaker 6-7 [4-7], Rinderknech was level at 2-2 in the second when he collapsed to the floor.

Receiving medical attention, the 30-year-old was helped to cool down by the Cincinnati Open staff, who gave him ice packs.

However, after suggesting he was ready to continue, Rinderknech played just two more games before retiring from the match, sending Auger-Aliassime through to the fourth round.

Becoming the latest in a long list of players to have struggled with the heat in Cincinnati, Rinderknech’s retirement prompted one top ATP Tour analyst to question whether a rule change could be in order.

Mike James questions whether it’s ‘time for a heat rule’ in men’s tennis

Taking to X in the aftermath of Rinderknech’s retirement, professional tennis analyst Mike James shared his thoughts.

“13 retirements in the men’s draw over the last two days,” he said.

“It’s brutal out there – time for a heat rule on the men’s side.”

Realizing his numbers were slightly off, James corrected himself, but reiterated his belief that a ‘heat rule’ could benefit players.

“My bad – it’s actually six retirements since the start of the tournament but still” he said.

“Many more players have called for the physios to court with temperatures hitting 35°C (95°F) and humidity pushing 70%, conditions in Cincinnati are brutal.

“Time for a heat rule on the men’s side?”

Since the tournament began, four players have officially retired mid-match at the Cincinnati Open.

There have been several other players, including Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who looked set to retire before battling through to the end of the match.

In his second-round defeat to Spain’s Roberto Bautista-Agut, Norrie looked ill throughout and was sweating profusely.

James believes ‘heat breaks’ could prevent such incidents from occurring on the ATP Tour, but are there any similar rules already in place?

The LTA’s ‘extreme heat procedures’

In the UK, the Lawn Tennis Association [LTA] clarified its ‘extreme heat procedures’ in 2022 for tournaments under its jurisdiction.

Providing support for referees, the procedures outlined what should happen when temperatures get too hot.

Modification of play

• Where the Heat Stress Index meets or exceeds 34.0°C (93.2°F).

In circumstances where a ‘modification of play’ is deemed necessary, a ten-minute break will be allowed between the second and third sets.

During any break, a player is permitted to use the toilet, which will not count towards their allotted toilet breaks.

Suspension of play

• Where the Heat Stress Index meets or exceeds 40.1°C (104.2°C).

When the Heat Stress Index exceeds 40.1°C, the umpire should suspend the match at the end of the game, and play will resume when the temperature falls to below 40.1°C.

For context, at no point during Rinderknech’s third-round retirement did the Heat Stress Index exceed 34.0°C or 93.2°F; therefore, neither a modification of play nor a suspension of play would’ve been required, according to the LTA’s ‘extreme heat procedure’.

With that in mind, whilst the LTA has commendably taken steps to ensure player safety, perhaps more should be done, and the threshold should be lowered.

If the ATP Tour were to introduce ‘heat rules’ of their own, modifications may well be required to the LTA’s current guidelines.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the Cincinnati Open tournament, what should players expect when it comes to the weather?

Cincinnati Open weather forecast

With seven days remaining of the tournament in Cincinnati, the conditions are set to remain hot, although they shouldn’t be much worse than what the players have already experienced.

The temperature is expected to peak on Sunday, for the men’s semifinals at 34°C (93°F), which will certainly test those competing.

Only time will tell who will be out on court for the semis, but you certainly won’t want to miss it, as the action heats up in Cincinnati.