Holger Rune Slams ATP for Not Having Heat Rule to Protect Players After String of Mid-Match Retirements in Shanghai

Holger Rune could face Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters.

Holger Rune Slams ATP for Not Having Heat Rule to Protect Players After String of Mid-Match Retirements in Shanghai

Holger Rune (Image via AllAboutHQ)

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Holger Rune was heard asking if players had to “die on court” when he took a medical timeout during his third-round match at the Shanghai Masters against Ugo Humbert. Rune booked a spot in the fourth round with a straight-set win over the Frenchman.

Later during the interview with TV2, Rune asked why the ATP doesn’t have a rule regarding heat. The Dane is not the only player wilting under the scorching conditions.

Why doesn’t the ATP have a regulation on heat? During the match, I went through a tough moment. The doctors and physiotherapists suggested that I focus on my breathing. I thank them for helping me stay calm in that situation of pressure and extreme heat.

Holger Rune said

Defending champion Jannik Sinner suffered cramps in his thigh during his third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor and eventually handed the walkover to the Dutchman. Casper Ruud, Tomas Machac, Terence Atmane, David Goffin, Hamad Medjedovic, and Wu Yibing also retired mid-match.

Tournament’s most successful player, Novak Djokovic, could not recall when he played under such extreme conditions in Shanghai in his previous appearances. During his third-round clash with Yannick Hanfmann, he vomited multiple times and later called the conditions “brutal“.

Players can heave a sigh of relief because ATP is open to heat policies. At present, the decision to suspend play due to extreme weather conditions lies with the onsite ATP supervisor, but the tennis governing bodies are open to putting in place a formal rule.

This remains under active review, and additional measures, including the implementation of an official heat policy, are currently being evaluated in consultation with players, tournaments, and medical experts.

The ATP told Reuters

After knocking out Humbert, the 22-year-old secured a three-set win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Rune will lock horns with Djokovic or Jaume Munar in the quarterfinals.

Novak Djokovic on his practice session with Holger Rune

Ahead of the Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic had a practice session with Holger Rune. At a press conference during the tournament, the 24-time Grand Slam champion heaped some praise on the youngster.

Novak Djokovic (via X/Olly Tennis)
Novak Djokovic (via X/Olly Tennis)

We always have really high-intensity practice sessions, and it’s good. Sometimes we push each other too much, you know, for the practice. I think bringing such a high level of focus and dedication is really good to see with a young guy like him. I enjoy it because it prepares me in the best possible way for the tournament, and for what’s waiting for me in the match.

Rune has met the 38-year-old six times, winning two matches. It was Djokovic whom Rune beat in the 2022 Paris Masters final to clinch his first Masters 1000 title. Rune hasn’t yet won another event of this category, though he reached he finals thrice, including in this year’s Indian Wells. He has played two finals this year, losing the Indian Wells Masters to Jack Draper, and clinched the Barcelona Open by beating Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic, the record 40-time Masters 1000 champion, last won a title in this category at the 2023 Paris Masters by beating Grigor Dimitrov. He has won only the ATP 250 Geneva Open by beating Hubert Hurkacz this season.

The last time he played a Masters 1000 final was at the Miami Open this year, losing that match to Jakub Mensik. The four-time Shanghai Masters champion reached the final in the event last year only to lose in straight sets to Jannik Sinner.

After Shanghai, Djokovic will participate in the first edition of the Hellenic Championship, an ATP 250 event in Athens. It’s uncertain whether he will be playing the ATP Finals.

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