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With global temperatures on the rise due to climate change, athletes are facing an increasing risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly in high-intensity sports such as tennis. A striking example of this phenomenon was seen during the 2022 Australian Open semi-finals when Rafael Nadal, a prominent figure in tennis, suffered a heat stroke and reportedly lost 4 kg as a result.
Tennis is played on various surfaces, including hard courts, sand-filled artificial grass, and clay courts. Each surface creates unique microclimatic environments that influence the heat load experienced by players. The wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index, which is a key measure for assessing the risk of heat stroke, is commonly used to evaluate these thermal environments in sports settings.
Previous studies on WBGT in tennis have had limitations, such as measuring temperatures only in the afternoon or failing to compare values with those from nearby weather stations. To address these gaps, a team from Japan, led by PhD student Hiroki Yamaguchi and Professor Kojiro Ishi from the Graduate School of Health and Sports Science at Doshisha University, conducted a comprehensive investigation into the heat conditions across different tennis court surfaces.
From June 1 to September 21, 2022, the research team measured WBGT values on outdoor hard courts, sand-filled artificial grass courts, and clay courts. Their findings revealed significant differences between on-site WBGT measurements and those reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Notably, hard courts exhibited higher WBGT values compared to other surfaces.
“Exertional heat stroke is the second most common cause of non-traumatic death among competitive athletes. Having experienced heat stroke myself during matches, I understand the critical importance of investigating heat conditions at various tennis courts. This research is crucial for developing effective exercise guidelines and heat management strategies in sports,” Yamaguchi stated.
While WBGT provides valuable insights into environmental heat risks, future guidelines for heat safety in sports will need to incorporate body heat balance models, such as the Predicted Heat Strain (PHS). These models offer a quantitative measure of heat risk, helping to refine safety protocols and protect athletes from the escalating dangers posed by rising global temperatures.
As the climate continues to warm, it is essential for sports organizations to adapt and implement strategies that safeguard athletes’ health against the increasing risk of heat-related injuries.
