According to organizers, temperatures at Melbourne Park could reach 46 degrees Celsius by 5 PM local time. This was the scheduled time for the men's and women's singles quarterfinals, prompting organizers to close stadium roofs and implement safety measures for players.
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Sabalenka during her quarterfinal match against Jovic at the Australian Open, on Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia on 27/1. *Photo: Reuters* |
During the third-round match between top seed Jannik Sinner and Eliot Spizzirri, the Italian player suffered cramps and appeared fatigued in the hot weather. When the heat stress scale reported level 5, the most dangerous level, the umpire ordered the roof closed and allowed players a 10-minute break. Sinner subsequently recovered and won the match in four sets.
The heat stress assessment scale, developed by the Australian Open in collaboration with the University of Sydney, has been in use since 2019. Indices are compiled from four factors: air temperature, radiant heat, humidity, and wind speed. The scale has 5 levels, with levels 4 and 5 indicating dangerous conditions where players may receive a temporary break or matches may be suspended.
On 27/1, the women's singles match between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic began earliest, at 11:30 AM. The match was moved up an hour earlier than usual to help both players avoid the afternoon heat. Facing the world number one, 18-year-old talent Jovic quickly lost 3-6, 0-6 in two sets.
The men's singles quarterfinal between Alexander Zverev and Learner Tien took place at 1:30 PM (local time) and was forecast to potentially extend until temperatures at Melbourne Park reached 46 degrees Celsius. Organizers decided to close the roof at the start of the match to help players avoid the sun. This was considered an advantage for "serving machines" like Zverev. Indeed, Zverev hit 24 aces, did not lose a service game throughout the match, and won 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-6(3).
Evening matches were predicted to take place under more favorable conditions, with Coco Gauff playing Elina Svitolina, and home favorite Alex de Minaur facing Carlos Alcaraz.
Vy Anh
