The ATP and WTA Tours are not always aligned on their rules for the same tournaments.
There have previously been talks of a potential merger between the ATP and WTA Tours in the past, but that is yet to come to fruition.
Tennis is regularly told to make alterations, with doubles world number one Taylor Townsend recently requesting two changes to be made.
After watching goings-on at the Cincinnati Open, the ATP Tour have specifically been asked to introduce a new rule.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesBrad Gilbert calls for the ATP Tour to introduce a heat rule
Heat has been a huge factor at the Cincinnati Open this year, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
This has caused players to really struggle, including Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech collapsing to the floor in his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
The WTA Tour allows a heat rule break between the second and third sets when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches or exceeds 30.1°C (86°F), similar to the rule that was also seen at Wimbledon this year.
However, this is not something that is currently implemented for the ATP Tour.
There have been no mid-match withdrawals in the WTA event at the Cincinnati Open this year, whereas in the ATP event there have now been five players who have had to retire, mostly due to the heat.
After watching more players struggle, Coco Gauff’s former coach Brad Gilbert has called for the ATP Tour to introduce a new rule.
“There isn’t a heat rule I believe @atptour level. The @WTA has something that there is 10 min[ute] break after two sets, should definitely be something if too extreme no play, like they have in Melbourne, or if over heat index 10 mins break after two sets.”
there isn’t a heat 🥵 rule i believe @atptour level. the @WTA has something that there is 10 min break after 2sets, should definitely 👍 be something if to extreme no play, like they have in melbourne, or if over heat index 10 mins break after 2sets
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 12, 2025
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What is the weather forecast for the remainder of the Cincinnati Open?
Play on Tuesday, August 12, at the Cincinnati Open was cut short due to rain, and the forecast does not look positive for fans who want to see tennis on Wednesday either.
Despite the rain starting to fall, the heat will still remain and is set to reach over 30°C/86°F for five of the remaining days of this year’s Cincinnati Open.
DayHighest Forecast TemperatureWednesday, August 1329 degrees Celsius/84 degrees FahrenheitThursday, August 1430 degrees Celsius/86 degrees FahrenheitFriday, August 1531 degrees Celsius/88 degrees FahrenheitSaturday, August 1633 degrees Celsius/91 degrees FahrenheitSunday, August 1734 degrees Celsius/93 degrees FahrenheitMonday, August 1833 degrees Celsius/91 degrees Fahrenheit
The hottest day is predicted to be Sunday, August 17, which will see both the ATP and WTA singles take place.
However, only the WTA players will currently be allowed to take a break if they go to a third set, whereas the ATP semifinalists will be left to struggle.