Scorching heat halts Australian Open for 3 hours

The 111th edition of the Australian Open is going on as the tournament kicked off on 16 January 2023. But, on 17 January, the ‘Heat Policy’ came into action as extreme heat halted 10 outdoor matches at the Grand Slam. Tournament's Heat Stress Scale measured radiant heat, humidity, and air temperature in the shade. It crossed the highest threshold of 5.0.

The extreme ‘Heat Policy’ halted the game for three hours in the Australian Open. However, the organizers gave players an early test of their endurance on a sweltering day two at Melbourne Park. Meanwhile, all the games resumed late in the afternoon after halting by three long hours while fans were looking for shades.

The extreme ‘Heat Policy’ was introduced in 1998

On Tuesday, Caroline Garcia defeated Katherine Sebov 6-3 6-0 on the main showcourt. Regarding the heat, she said: "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."

"I don't know in the crowd there is some AC or whatever, but it felt warm, but it felt okay,” she added. Speaking of this policy, the Extreme Heat Policy is an essential part of the Australian Open. The tournament introduced it in 1998. However, some changes happened in 2015 as the threshold temperature got increased. While consulting with several Teniss players, this policy came into play in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Jordan Thompson was not happy when his match against J.J.Wolf got halted as he was trailing by 6-3, 1-3. “When does that ever happen? I've been here when it's like 45 degrees." world number 88 Thompson yelled at the chair umpire. After defeating Alize Cornet in straight sets, while talking to reporters, Canada's Leylah Fernandez said: "I think I did well to manage my emotions, and then especially manage the heat, try not to get too hot-headed."