Extreme heat forces Australian Open protocol activation
Melbourne Park experienced its most scorching conditions in 17 years earlier today, with temperatures climbing to a blistering 43C, forcing Australian Open officials to activate their extreme heat protocol, reports BritPanorama.
The tournament’s Heat Stress Scale reached its maximum threshold of 5.0 during the early afternoon, with the mercury surpassing 40C by 2pm local time before peaking at 43C around 4.30pm. In response, organisers halted all matches on the outer courts at approximately 1.30pm and shut the retractable roofs on the venue’s three main arenas.
The extreme heat policy, developed in conjunction with the University of Sydney’s Heat and Health Research Centre, evaluates playing conditions based on air temperature, radiant heat, humidity levels, and wind speed. This marked the second time in four days that organisers had enacted their extreme heat protocol, highlighting the unusual weather conditions at this year’s tournament.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka managed to complete her quarter-final clash against American teenager Iva Jovic just minutes before outdoor play became officially impossible under tournament rules. The Belarusian dispatched her 18-year-old opponent 6-3, 6-0 in an 89-minute encounter, wrapping up proceedings at 1.12pm with her seventh ace of the match. Following her victory, she noted, “I guess, as a woman, we are stronger than the guys. They had to close the roof [completely] for the guys so they don’t suffer, you know.”
The roof on Rod Laver Arena was closed as the players departed the court. The Heat Stress Scale system operates on a range from 1 to 5, with the highest level triggering the automatic suspension of outdoor play and mandatory roof closures on the covered stadiums. Wheelchair Championship matches were postponed by 24 hours due to the forecast conditions, while junior events were restricted to early morning or late evening slots.
Tournament staff implemented special provisions, including shorter stints for ball kids alongside extended recovery periods and additional relief teams. Despite the oppressive heat, spectator attendance dropped significantly, with just 21,226 people attending compared to 32,912 at the equivalent stage last year, as many opted to stay away from the sweltering conditions.
Third seed Alexander Zverev, who played under the closed roof, expressed his appreciation for the controlled environment, stating, “With the roof on, it’s perfect conditions. It’s a very solid 24 degrees with AC on. It’s great. I would love to play with the roof every single match.” The ability to maintain player safety during extreme weather conditions has drawn attention to the challenges faced by both athletes and organisers in adapting to climate variations.
