Why were Australian Open matches suspended?

Matches were suspended on outside courts due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 40C and the Heat Stress Scale hitting level five.

What historical achievement occurred at the Australian Open?

For the first time, three Italian men advanced to the last 16 of the Australian Open on the same day.

How did Jannik Sinner fare in the heat?

Jannik Sinner struggled with cramp in the heat, but his match was temporarily suspended for the roof to close, allowing him to advance.

Home / Sports / Heat Halts Australian Open: Players Wilt Under 40C Sun

Heat Halts Australian Open: Players Wilt Under 40C Sun

24 Jan

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Summary

Extreme heat forced matches off outside courts at the Australian Open.
The tournament's Heat Stress Scale reached level five due to 40C temperatures.
Three Italian men reached the Australian Open last 16 for the first time.

Heat Halts Australian Open: Players Wilt Under 40C Sun

Play at the Australian Open was suspended on Saturday due to extreme heat, with temperatures expected to soar to 40C. Matches on outside courts were halted when the tournament's Heat Stress Scale reached its highest level, five, in the early afternoon.

This measure briefly paused Jannik Sinner's third-round match, allowing the roof on Rod Laver Arena to be closed. Sinner, battling cramp, secured his progression to the last 16. He will face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi next, marking a historic day as three Italian men reached this stage for the first time.

Madison Keys, the defending women's champion, demonstrated resilience in the scorching conditions, advancing to her own last-16 match. Keys, accustomed to high temperatures from training in Florida, expressed her readiness for the heat. She will compete against compatriot Jessica Pegula, who also advanced decisively.