Australian Open organizers activated their extreme heat policy as temperatures soared at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, leading to the suspension of play on outer courts and the closing of roofs on the main showcourts.
The protocol, introduced in 2019 to reduce heat-related illness and ensure consistency for players, uses air temperature, radiant heat, wind speed and humidity to assess conditions and sets thresholds for cooling measures. When the tournament’s “Heat Stress” index hit the highest threshold of 5.0 on Tuesday afternoon, with the mercury passing 40°C (104°F) by 2 p.m., officials moved to apply those measures.
The threshold was reached shortly after world number one Aryna Sabalenka finished a 6-3, 6-0 win over teenager Iva Jovic. “At the end the match, it was really hot out there,” Sabalenka said. “I’m glad they closed the roof almost halfway so we had a lot of shade in the back, so we could go back and stay in shade.”
Under the extreme heat rules, the tournament referee can suspend outdoor play, close roofs on showcourts, order extra cooling breaks and take other steps to protect players.
Southeastern Australia is amid a major heat wave. The Bureau of Meteorology warned Melbourne temperatures could reach as high as 45°C (113°F), with severe to extreme heat wave conditions expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday before easing later in the week.
Organizers urged spectators to wear hats, apply sunscreen, stay hydrated and use shade and cooling areas on site.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse