Rafael Nadal has expressed concern at the Australian Open over a heatwave that is set to strike later this week.
The temperatures are set to soar on Thursday and Friday. Forecasters have predicted that the heat could peak at 41 degrees on Friday in Melbourne Park. Higher than the Melbourne forecast because the tennis complex is located in an area surrounded by buildings. Making the temperature on the ground hotter.
“If it is extreme conditions, I hope the organization puts the roof (on). That’s all. I think is a health issue.” Said world No.1 Nadal.
“I like sometimes to play in hot (weather). When it is too much, it becomes dangerous for the health.”
Due to the physical demands of tennis, there are some fears that there could be a spike in retirements during matches. Previously seen during the 2015 US Open when Jack Sock was carried off the court after cramping before lager collapsing. On that occasions the temperature was only 33 degrees (plus humidity).
“I would not like to see retirements here (in Australia).” Stated Nadal.
“On the courts that have the roof, why not put the roof when the conditions are so
Extreme?.”
“I am going to practice indoor tomorrow.” He added.
The Australian Open does have an extreme heat policy in force. The policy is enforced upon the discretion of the tournament referee with guidance from the wet bulb global temperature. A system that is used to measure the impact of temperature, humidity, wind speed on humans. The policy is followed once the ambient temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and the Wet Bulb Global Temperature reading exceeds 32.5 C.
Players not fazed
Despite the potentially difficult conditions they could face, many players are dismissing the significance. Johanna Konta will play her Thursday match at 11am local time on court 2. Despite the heat, the ninth seed doesn’t believe it will not hinder her performance.
“Everyone who comes here knows that it’s going to happen at one point or another.” She said.
“I think it’s very similar to every other match we prepare for, obviously with more emphasis on hydrating well and making sure I have enough fluids and energy in me.”
Kyle Edmund, who will play his third round match on Friday, says that the conditions are to be expected. The Brit revealed that he got sunburned earlier on the first day of the tournament. Prompting one journalist to ask him if he ‘forgets to put on sun cream during matches.’
“You expect it to be hot in Australia. That’s why you prepare, do all the hours on court in the off-season. That’s why most players don’t really do a pre-season indoors in the cold, because the first tournaments of the year are in very hot conditions in Australia.” Said Edmund.
“You have to be fit for it. You expect hot conditions here. That’s it really.”
It is expected that the heat will decrease over the weekend with the temperature going back into the 20s. There are currently three courts at Melbourne Park that has a roof. The Rod Laver, Hisense and Margaret Court Arena’s.
