The Australian Open faced a fiery interruption as brutal heatwave conditions swept Melbourne. Saturday’s 36-degree Celsius inferno prompted a full stop on outdoor courts, with roofs descending on primary stadiums to shield athletes and audiences from the sun’s wrath.
Organizers’ zero-tolerance Extreme Heat Policy kicked in, evaluating air temp, heat radiation, breeze velocity, and humidity. Level 5 activation meant instant halts, delaying key battles and underscoring the tournament’s commitment to safety.
Fans were urged to chug water, cap up, and huddle near misting stations. Defending champ Jannik Sinner’s Rod Laver showdown exposed the dangers—visible cramps forced an eight-minute cool-down once the roof engaged.
Margaret Court Arena hosted Valentin Vacherot vs. Ben Shelton strictly indoors. No outdoor action until 5:30 PM, with proactive scheduling tweaks to dodge peak heat hours.
On the women’s side, Madison Keys delivered a masterclass, toppling Karolina Pliskova despite the bake. Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova followed suit, attributing grit to specialized heat training. This Australian Open edition tests not just skill, but endurance against the elements.