Temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected at the Australian Open on Saturday. Players are to be protected as a result.
It’s going to be hot in Melbourne—and the Australian Open is responding: Due to expected temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, the organizers of the first Grand Slam event of the year have brought forward the start of play on Saturday. The first matches will begin at 10 a.m. local time, one hour earlier than planned. In Germany, it will be midnight. “We expect pleasant conditions tomorrow morning with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and will start play earlier to take advantage of the milder conditions,” said tournament director Craig Tiley.
According to tournament rules, the Australian Open referee may interrupt matches or order cooling breaks in extreme weather conditions. The roofs can be closed on three stadiums, including Rod Laver Arena.