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Heat Halts Australian Open: Players Wilt Under 40C Sun
24 Jan
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.
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.
Other notable players like Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka are scheduled to play their respective matches later in the day. Djokovic has maintained a strong, undefeated run so far, while Osaka faces a qualifier on centre court.
