What did Taylor Fritz say about the conditions in Shanghai?

Taylor Fritz conceded that the "brutal conditions" in Shanghai had pushed him beyond his limits, and he needed a short break to "recharge" his batteries.

What do experts predict will happen to the tennis calendar in the coming decades?

Experts believe the tennis calendar will "inevitably look very different" in the next 25-50 years as the sport is forced to adapt to the realities of a warming planet.

Home / Sports / Tennis Stars Pushed to Brink by Grueling Schedule and Climate

Tennis Stars Pushed to Brink by Grueling Schedule and Climate

Q: Why did Holger Rune challenge tournament officials in Shanghai?

After suffering from heat exhaustion, Rune directly challenged tournament officials over the lack of a heat-related policy, asking "Do you want a player to die on the court?"

9 Oct

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Summary

Top players like Fritz and Rune complain of exhaustion
Extreme heat and humidity leave athletes "absolutely drained"
Experts predict major calendar changes in coming decades

Tennis Stars Pushed to Brink by Grueling Schedule and Climate

As of October 9th, 2025, the tennis world is grappling with a growing crisis over the sport's demanding schedule and the impact of extreme weather conditions on player health and performance. In recent weeks, several top ATP and WTA stars, including Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune, have spoken out about the toll the grueling calendar is taking.

Fritz, who suffered a straight-set loss at the Shanghai Masters, conceded that the "brutal conditions" had pushed him beyond his limits, saying he needed a short break to "recharge." Rune, meanwhile, directly challenged tournament officials over the lack of a heat-related policy, asking "Do you want a player to die on the court?" after suffering from heat exhaustion.

Experts have echoed the players' concerns, with The Athletic's David Law stating that the current circuit is "not fit for purpose." Colleague Matt Roberts noted that even the world's top athletes are being "absolutely exhausted" by the combination of end-of-season fatigue, humid conditions, and lengthy rallies.