The Australian Open is facing extreme weather conditions, with temperatures soaring to 40°C. This forecast has prompted officials to adjust the match schedule, introducing the Extreme Heat Protocol (EHP) to ensure player safety.
Schedule Adjustments for Extreme Heat
Starting January 24, matches will begin earlier to mitigate the impact of soaring temperatures. Jannik Sinner’s match is set for 12:30 PM local time, which is 2:30 AM in Italy. The organizers have scheduled five matches on the Margaret Court Arena instead of the usual four.
Understanding the Extreme Heat Protocol
The Extreme Heat Protocol (AO-EHP) is a safety measure that considers various climate factors, including:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Wind Speed
- Heat Stress Scale (HHS)
This protocol includes a heat stress scale ranging from 1 to 5. Level 1 indicates suitable conditions for play, while level 5 mandates a suspension of matches.
Cooling Breaks and Match Continuation
If the Heat Stress Scale reaches level 4, cooling breaks are implemented:
- Men’s singles: A 10-minute break between the third and fourth sets.
- Women’s singles: A 10-minute break between the second and third sets.
- No breaks are allowed for doubles matches.
Matches on major courts—Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena—can continue by closing the roof, providing an indoor environment with climate control.
Monitoring Player Safety
Organizers will monitor conditions closely, especially on the outside courts. A 30-minute warning will be issued before resuming any suspended matches. The extreme conditions highlight the importance of player safety during high-stakes matches.
As the tournament progresses, the Australian Open continues to prioritize the health and safety of its athletes amidst challenging weather circumstances.
