Australian Open Adjusts Schedule Due to Extreme Heat in Melbourne

The Australian Open has modified its schedule for the second time in four days due to extreme heat conditions in Melbourne, with temperatures forecasted to hit 42°C. The wheelchair event featuring British defending champions Alfie Hewett, Gordon Reid, and Andi Lapthorn was postponed until Wednesday.

Junior matches were rescheduled to start earlier at 09:00 local time. Matches, including the singles quarter-finals with players like world number one Carlo Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, will take place on the Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, where retractable roofs and air conditioning systems are utilized to maintain cooler conditions.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued severe heat warnings across Victoria, leading to match suspensions on Saturday. The tournament organizers are monitoring conditions closely, utilizing a heat scale that considers factors like radiant heat, air temperature, humidity, and wind speed to determine if play can continue.