Players braced for the Australian Open’s hottest day yet Thursday with temperatures forecast to hit a blistering 44 Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit) at the year’s opening Grand Slam.
With 32 singles matches in prospect, plus a full schedule of doubles, the tournament’s organisers will be in sharp focus as they weigh whether to halt play to mitigate health risks.
Temperatures had already reached 38 Celsius as play started at 11:00 am, with players shrouding themselves in ice packs and gulping drinks at the changeovers.
