Shanghai Masters has turned into a survival test rather than a regular tennis tournament! Numerous retirements and medical timeouts at the Asian most notable event have forced the ATP to consider implementing a formal heat rule.
With temperatures hovering around30C and humidity surpassing 80%, players have been struggling to cope as physical exhaustion, illness and cramps have reshaped the draw.
The list of players who abandoned the event or struggled to finish their encounters is pretty extended. World no. 2 Jannik Sinner saw his title defense end in agony following severe cramps that plagued his movement against Tallon Griekspoor.
Novak Djokovic vomited mid-match in his victory over Yannik Hanfmann. The Serb embraced another grueling test against Jaume Munar, winning in three sets after barely finishing the duel on his feet.
Holger Rune, who reached the quarter-final like Novak, asked officials whether players needed to "die on court" before play could be suspended and their bodies at least a bit restored and recovered.
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The conditions in Shanghai have taken their toll, and many players were not able to finish their duels. Competitors like Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune, Francisco Comesana neededblood pressure check to continue.
After a lot of pressure, the ATP confirmed it is reviewing the situation, considering a formal policy that would allow match suspensions or more extended breaks during extreme weather.
Per ATP, safety remains a top priority, and they are consulting medical experts and tournaments. Tennis is facing mounting pressure ot protect players in extreme climates, just as the case is at Majors.
Thus, Shanghai may prove the turning point where endurance finally gave away to common sense! If health comes first, they should be quick and efficient about changing current regulation, so we can avoidthe scenes fromShanghai for good.
