“You want a player to d13?” – Holger Rune angrily demands answers about ATP’s lack of heat rule as he becomes latest star to struggle in Shanghai
Holger Rune became the latest high-profile player to suffer in the sweltering conditions at the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, angrily questioning the ATP’s lack of a heat rule during a medical timeout in his second-round match against Ugo Humbert on October 5. The Danish world No. 10, who ultimately won 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the third round, was seen shirtless and exhausted, sipping water while venting to the chair umpire: “Why ATP doesn’t have a heat rule? You want a player to die on the court?” His comments, captured on video and going viral, highlight growing frustration over player safety in extreme humidity and heat, contrasting with the WTA’s established heat protocols and Grand Slams’ cooling breaks.
The Incident: Heat Takes Its Toll
Rune’s distress occurred early in the match against Humbert, down a break in the first set amid Shanghai’s oppressive conditions—temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) with high humidity. He called for a medical timeout, where trainers attended to him as he sat visibly drained. Rune’s rant echoed similar struggles from players like Francisco Comesaña (vs. Lorenzo Musetti), Terence Atmane (retired in first round), Hamad Medjedovic (medical issues), and Taylor Fritz (near collapse vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard). Despite the heat, Rune rallied to win in straight sets, showcasing his resilience but underscoring the toll on competitors.
This isn’t Rune’s first brush with heat woes: He gasped for breath at the 2025 Australian Open against Jannik Sinner and struggled in 2024 Cincinnati vs. Nuno Borges. His outburst calls for ATP action, similar to FIFA’s World Cup cooling breaks (3 minutes per half above 32°C) or Formula 1’s heat-hazard rules.
Rune’s Shanghai Run and Broader Context
The 22-year-old, seeded 10th, advanced to face Sebastian Baez in the third round after his Humbert win. Earlier, he reached the Japan Open quarterfinals but lost to Jenson Brooksby. Rune’s 2025 includes three ATP titles and a career-high No. 4 peak, but heat-related incidents highlight the ATP’s lag behind the WTA, which mandates breaks above 30°C.
| Player Affected | Match/Outcome | Heat Impact |
|—————–|—————|————-|
| Holger Rune | vs. Ugo Humbert (W 6-4, 6-4) | Medical timeout; “die on court” rant |
| Francisco Comesaña | vs. Lorenzo Musetti | Brutal weather struggle |
| Terence Atmane | First Round | Retired due to heat |
| Taylor Fritz | vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard | Near collapse |
Reactions: Calls for ATP Reform
Rune’s video clip spread rapidly on X, sparking #ATPHeatRule debates: “Rune’s right—ATP needs heat protocols NOW” (thousands of views). Players like Djokovic have echoed similar sentiments on schedule demands, but Rune’s dramatic plea amplifies urgency for safety measures like those in Grand Slams. As Shanghai’s heatwave persists, Rune’s demand for answers could catalyze change in player welfare.
