Sweltering Heat stops play for three hours at the Australian Open 2023
The scorching heat at the Australian Open put the matches that were played outdoors on hold. It sent fans into a tizzy as they were scampering for shelter in Melbourne. The matches went on late in the afternoon as the players were tested on Day 2 at Melbourne Park amidst the torrid heat conditions that left everyone parched.
Temperatures were soaring at 36 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat policy was used by the Australian Open organisers for three hours into the morning session. The unbearably hot conditions were accompanied by violent gales of wind in Melbourne. The tournament had a heat stress scale that checked radiant heat, humidity and air temperature in the shade, crossed its highest ceiling of 5.0 and halted 10 outdoor matches at the Grand Slam.
The matches however went on at the main courts. Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini were going against each other amidst unforeseen weather conditions. The match was held at the Rod Laver Arena. Matches on outdoor courts commenced again at 5 pm local time. Tennis Australia had changed its heat policy in 2018 after players complained about repercussions of playing under extreme weather conditions.
It felt warm, it was ok – Caroline Gracia on the playing conditions at the Australian Open
Caroline Garcia, who emerged victorious against Katherine Sebov 6-3 6-0 who played on the main court before Murray’s game said that she managed to brave the conditions and it did not take much toll on her. “I have to admit on Rod Laver Arena it was pretty nice. Obviously it was warm. It was nice to be able to walk in the shadow a little bit when you were able to serve but I didn’t feel that (it was) such warm weather,” Gracia said.
“I don’t know in the crowd there is some AC or whatever, but it felt warm, but it felt okay.” she added. On another note, the stoppage in play angered some of the players such as Jordan Thompson. He was livid on the court when his game on court three was stopped against American J.J. Wolf when he was trailing 6-3 1-3.
“When does that ever happen?” The local lad howled at the Chair Umpire. “I’ve been here when it’s like 45 degrees.” The scorching heat has often played a role in the Australian Open. The Grand Slam is held in the middle of Summer at the Outback and the searing heat has led to stoppages in play and has made scheduling a difficult affair for the tournament organisers.
