It has been a hot day at the Australian Open. So hot that it caused a three-hour pause to play at the tournament on Tuesday.
The extreme heat rule came into force at 14:15 local time after the temperature soared to above 35C which resulted in all matches on the outdoor courts being stopped. The premier courts were still able to hold matches during that period as they have roofs which can be used to control the heat.
However, blistering conditions don’t bother some players. Eighth seed Taylor Fritz played his opening match against Nikoloz Basilashvili under the roof of the John Cain Arena. The American battle to a 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, win in just under two-and-a-half hours. Afterwards, he told reporters that he felt playing under a roof ‘slowed everything down.’ As for the weather, he wasn’t too concerned about it.
“It’s hot, but it’s a dry heat, so I don’t really mind it too much,” he said. “I think playing in, like, D.C. last year, US Open some years, is much worse because it’s so hot, plus the humidity.’
“Today, it’s not that humid. I don’t think it’s as bad. As long as it’s this dry type of heat, then it’s not that big of a deal. If it was this hot plus humidity, then it might be an issue. It would be pretty annoying to deal with.”
Also through to the second round is Britain’s Dan Evans who provided a somewhat humorous reason as to why he didn’t wear a hat during his opening match against Facundo Bagnis which he won 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
“I’m pretty good in the heat, doesn’t bother me. I have just never worn a hat and I have never liked wearing one,” Evans said before adding ‘it doesn’t feel comfortable. (I have) big ears, I guess.”
Whilst Fritz and Evans relish the hot weather on Tuesday, the sun was more of a hindrance for another player who unfortunately sustained an injury whilst trying to adjust to it.
Former finalist Dominic Thiem entered this year’s main draw with the use of a wildcard. However, the Austrian fell in straight sets to Andrey Rublev and during the match hurt his abductor in what is yet another physical blow for the former US Open champion.
“The sun was – I was in a tough position to serve, so I completely changed the toss and something happened after at the abs or at the ribs,” Thiem said during his press conference.
“It’s just a little inflammation or a little strain … Obviously not the best timing and in the middle of the second set, but it is what it is.”
Temperatures at the Australian Open are set to be cooler from Wednesday onwards.
