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.
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.
Organisers responded by halting all matches on the outer courts at approximately 1.30pm and shutting the retractable roofs on the venue’s three main arenas.
The extreme heat policy, created in partnership 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.
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.
Sabalenka delivered a near-perfect serving display, missing just two first serves throughout the entire second set.
Following her victory, she said: “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.”
Australian Open officials activated their extreme heat protocol
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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 automatic suspension of outdoor play and mandatory roof closures on the three covered stadiums at Melbourne Park.
This marked the second time in four days that organisers had enacted their extreme heat protocol.
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.
The tournament’s Heat Stress Scale reached its maximum threshold
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Tournament staff also received special provisions, with ball kids given shorter stints on court alongside extended recovery periods and additional relief teams.
Sabalenka said: “I knew going into this match that they won’t let us play on crazy heat. I knew that they were protecting us, our health.”
Spectator numbers dropped sharply as Melbourne residents chose to avoid the punishing heat, with just 21,226 attending compared to 32,912 at the equivalent stage last year.
The vast majority of those present held tickets for the roofed stadiums rather than ground passes for the outer courts.
Melbourne Park experienced its most scorching conditions in 17 years on Tuesday
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Organisers brought in additional water misters, umbrellas and mobile hydration stations, while advising fans to wear hats and stay well hydrated.
Third seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated American rising star Learner Tien in four sets under the closed roof, expressed his appreciation for the controlled environment.
Zverev told reporters: “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.”
