What is the extreme weather policy in effect at Paris Olympics 2024 for tennis? All you need to know

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has established an Extreme Weather Policy at the Paris Olympics 2024 to protect the players if weather conditions become unmanageable and challenging on the court. The said policy has yet to be activated at the Paris Olympics 2024 but could be enforced if the temperatures rise.

Extreme weather here refers to heat and humid conditions during a tennis match. The threshold limit is determined by taking into account a measure of heat stress in direct sunlight, wind speed, cloud cover, and the sun's angle and is called West Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). WBGT is taken every day, starting at 11:00 AM local time in 30-minute intervals and the policy comes into action once the WBGT touches 30.1°C.

As the temperature crosses the threshold limit, the tournament referee has two options at his/her disposal. The first is MODIFICATION OF PLAY, which entails informing the chair umpire and the players about the active status of the policy. For the matches that have already begun this intimidation happens during the changing of ends.

Modification of play entails introducing a 10-minute break between the second and the third set, which is allowed after either one of both players consents. If none of the players want a break, the match continues.

The second option is SUSPENSION OF PLAY, which is planned by an international advisory committee (including the tournament referee, representatives from the tournament medical services, and administrative staff) within 90 minutes of the WBGT touching the threshold limit. The decision is taken keeping in mind the weather forecast for the previous two as well as the next two days and inputs from tournament medics about the conditions.

32.2°C is the second inflection for reaching a decision, but it is not a rule. This policy also covers other extreme weather events such as thunderstorms and the possibility of lightning strikes.

Do's and Dont's for the 10-minute break during the suspension of matches at the Paris Olympics 2024

Photo of Philippe Chatrier during the Paris Olympics 2024 (Source: Getty)

At the Paris Olympics 2024, during the 10-minute suspension, players are allowed to use the restroom, take a shower, change their outfits, eat or drink something, and get their medical strap adjusted or retaped.

However, they are not allowed to receive a medical evaluation unless approved by the tournament director, talk to their coaches, use electronic devices, or stay away from the court longer than 10 minutes. If the player does not return within the stipulated time of 10 minutes, time violations can be imposed.

Play will be suspended on the outside court after an even number of games have been completed. On the other hand, Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen have retractable roofs and climate control mechanisms and play can continue after closing the roof. The roof will be closed after an even number of games are completed and will stay closed for the rest of the match,

According to the ITF, this policy could be activated on Day 4 of the Paris Olympics 2024 with temperatures said to exceed 35 degrees between 3-5 pm local time.