Australian Open Halts Outdoor Play Due to Melbourne’s Extreme Heat
Play at the Australian Open was suspended due to extreme heat in Melbourne on Saturday. The tournament’s Heat Stress Scale indicated conditions were unsafe, prompting the closure of roofs on major stadiums.
Impact of Heat on Matches
The Heat Stress Scale reached a critical level of 5.0, which led to the halting of outdoor matches. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner was notably affected by these conditions during his match against Eliot Spizzirri. He was struggling with severe cramps when the tournament officials decided to suspend play.
Match Details
At the time of suspension, Sinner was trailing 3-1 in the third set. Following the implementation of the heat protocol, play resumed indoors on Rod Laver Arena after a brief cooling break. Sinner ultimately won the match with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
- Other matches affected included Lorenzo Musetti versus Tomas Macháč on John Cain Arena.
- Musetti was leading 2-0 in the fifth set when play paused.
- Linda Nosková’s match on Kia Arena was also halted due to the lack of a roof.
Temperature and Play Scheduling
With temperatures forecasted to reach approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), the tournament adjusted its schedule. Matches on show courts began at 10:30 a.m., while outside courts started at 10:00 a.m., an hour earlier to maximize shade.
The decision to suspend outdoor matches and move play indoors reflects a commitment to player safety during extreme temperatures. Organizers confirmed that outdoor play would not resume until at least 5:30 p.m. local time (01:30 a.m. ET).
Why Heat Stress Matters
The Heat Stress Scale considers four key climate factors:
- Air temperature
- Radiant heat (sun strength)
- Humidity
- Wind speed
These elements are crucial for player performance and health, making the monitoring of heat stress essential during the tournament.
Ultimately, the safety measures taken at the Australian Open underscore the challenges posed by extreme weather and the steps required to ensure a fair tournament for all athletes.
