Section 8: Safety Considerations
Suspension of Play (ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 29)
The referee or chair umpire has the authority to suspend or postpone play at any time in the interest of player safety. Circumstances warranting suspension include:
- Lightning or thunderstorms (play must be suspended immediately when lightning is present within a specified distance, per local tournament policy)
- Heavy or persistent rain rendering the court surface dangerous
- Fading or insufficient light to see the ball safely
- Extreme heat or humidity (governed by the ITF Extreme Heat Policy, see below)
- Court surface damage (e.g., cracks, wet patches) that poses a risk of injury
When play is suspended, all players must leave the court promptly. Play resumes only when the referee confirms conditions are safe.
Extreme Heat Policy (ITF Extreme Heat Policy, applicable at Grand Slams and ITF events)
The ITF and Grand Slam tournaments operate under an Extreme Heat Policy (EHP) that allows a 10-minute break when the temperature and/or humidity reaches a specified threshold level (the specific thresholds are set by each Grand Slam, e.g., a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reading). Under the EHP:
- Women's singles and doubles matches may take a 10-minute break after the third set (or after the second set in a best-of-three match)
- Men's matches may take a 10-minute break after the fourth set (or after the second set in a best-of-three match)
- Players may change their clothing and towel off during the break
- The break is taken at the next changeover after the threshold is met
The Australian Open operates under its own Extreme Heat Policy with specific WBGT and temperature/humidity thresholds and may close the roof on retractable-roof courts when the EHP is activated.
Injury and Medical Timeouts (Rule 29 & Appendix V)
A player who sustains an injury during a match is entitled to:
- One medical timeout of up to three minutes per distinct medical condition. The timeout begins when the authorised medical personnel reaches the player.
- Toilet/change of clothing breaks: one during a match (women are entitled to two); timing is at the change of ends at the end of a set. The chair umpire shall use reasonable judgment.
- A player who is bleeding must stop play immediately to receive treatment. Bleeding stoppages are not counted against the player's medical timeouts.
If a player is unable to continue due to injury, the player may retire from the match (conceding the match to the opponent) or, in cases of physical incapacity, may be defaulted by the referee if they are unable to proceed within a reasonable time.
Court and Environment Safety
Tournament organisers are required by ITF regulations to ensure that:
- Net posts and surrounding barriers do not pose a collision hazard to players
- Ball kids and line umpires are positioned safely and are aware of court procedures
- Spectators remain outside designated court areas during play
- Courts are inspected before play commences each day, including checking net height, court surface integrity, and line visibility
Ball persons (ball kids) are positioned according to ITF and tournament guidelines to ensure they remain outside play areas and do not interfere with players in motion. They must remain stationary during points and move only between points.
Equipment Safety
Players are responsible for ensuring their equipment (rackets, strings, grips, footwear) is in safe condition before and during play. Worn or cracked footwear that could affect mobility on court should be replaced. The use of any device that could cause injury to an opponent or court surface is prohibited.