Open courts had to be covered mid-play at the Australian Open in Melbourne, as conditions hit an extreme on the Heat Stress Scale. Courts which did not have a roof could not be used until 5:30 pm local time.

Play was suspended on outside courts mid-afternoon on Saturday under the extreme heat rules at the Australian Open.

Players, officials and spectators roasted in heat at Melbourne Park on day seven of the tournament, where temperatures were expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the late afternoon. Matches were started an hour early to cope with the scorching conditions.

On a Heat Stress Scale of 1-5, temperatures hit 36 degrees Celsius and the highest measure of the scale early afternoon, prompting the suspension.

“Play is suspended for all matches and practice on outside courts,” the tournament said on X. Roofs on the courts that have them “will close and remain closed for the remainder of the match.”

Meanwhile, matches would not be played on open courts until 5:30 pm (0630 GMT).

Players battle heat

A match between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Eliot Spizzirri was interrupted in its third round. Sinner was already struggling with cramping when the match was halted for several minutes to allow the court to be covered.

Temperatures became stifling fairly early in the day when defending champion Madison Keys entered the court about 10:30 am (2330 GMT, Friday). She and her compatriots Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova thrived in the conditions as they live in Florida and are well acquainted to high heat.

“Just the fact that we had so many outdoor courts in the summer, it was always so hot, I hated training in the summer,” Anisimova said.

“But you know what? At least it paid off a little bit. It’s just great to be playing out here even when it’s so hot, it’s nice to have a challenge.”

Organizers had warned fan to bring hats, drink plenty of water and make use of misting fans in the park.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

DW News