Top players at the Australian Open describe heat that “zaps you” as temperatures hit 40°C, forcing suspensions and the use of ice bags and towels.
TOP players described temperatures that “zap you” and used bags of ice to cool down in brutal heat touching 40°C at the Australian Open on Saturday.
Competitors, spectators and officials roasted on day seven at Melbourne Park, where play was suspended on outside courts in the afternoon.
Courts with roofs closed them to fend off the baking sun, with matches starting earlier than usual in anticipation of the unforgiving weather.
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American sixth seed Jessica Pegula blasted to a 6-3, 6-2 victory in 66 minutes and said she was glad to finish quickly.
“Nice to be first out on court and not a super long match and didn’t need to kill myself in the heat today,” she said.
Pegula was eager to avoid a three-set match as the temperatures soared.
“I definitely think it could kind of zap you pretty quick with how hot it could get,” she added.
Defending champion Madison Keys, who trains in Florida, said she was quite used to the intense conditions.
Another American, Amanda Anisimova, conducted her post-match interview wrapped in an ice towel.
“Super-hot today,” said the fourth seed.
“The conditions were really tough out there today, so just happy to be through.”
Anisimova said it was stressful trying to squeeze in everything possible to cool down during changeovers.
Men’s champion Jannik Sinner struggled physically in the heat, placing bags of ice on each thigh after games.
The tournament’s Heat Stress Scale hit five in the early afternoon, prompting the suspension of play on outside courts.
Sinner’s match was held up as the roof on Rod Laver Arena was shut.
American eighth seed Ben Shelton was relieved to play under the roof at Margaret Court Arena.
“I don’t think I could have finished this match without the roof, I don’t think anyone could,” Shelton said.
Melbourne’s weather is set to change on Sunday with forecast highs of 24°C.
Temperatures are set to ramp up again during the tournament’s second week, peaking at 43°C on Tuesday. – AFP
