Hot Topic

[GameSetAndMath]

With temps remaining at over 100 for the next four days at least, I think it
deserves a separate thread.

I am interested in folk's opinion about the possibility of Novak melting in
the hot weather. He used to do that before, especially in his Pre-GF days
(I mean Gluten Free). Will we see a recurrence of it?

Yesterday was not too bad weather wise and so Novak got lucky.

However, his next couple of opponents are not noteworthy and so
he may not have to stay out there long.

 

[brokenshoelace]

I can't remember the last time Novak had to play in extreme heat so there's always the possibility, however, it's important to note that he hasn't struggled physically (in any way) for the past 3 years now. His stamina, conditioning, etc... have held up tremendously well.

 

[Denis]

Considering the lack of potential of his half, he'll get mostly night matches. Plus they close the roof if its too hot right?

 

[coban]

Seriously, i dont get it how they're able to play in that kind of heat. Once i was vacating in the Maldives i went to the court and start hitting - sweat as dripping down like a waterfall. After 30 min i had to throw in the towel.

 

[Front242]

Still 34C (94F) out there now and it's 10:30 at night That's nuts. Given they haven't closed the roof yet I can't see it happening now. It was melting out there earlier. Novak should hopefully be fine.

 

[isabelle]

A lot of retirements today because of the heat or injuries (Isner, Haas, Stepanek)

 

[Riotbeard]

Novak plays in Miami every year. New York in august can have heat indexes at 100. I honestly don't think it will be an issue.

 

[nehmeth]

I'm happy the court surface is no longer made from old tires. Everyone would have been in trouble out there yesterday - they'd plant their foot and stick.

Read that the players are taking ice baths before going out to play in order to lower their core temperature. Not healthy to force the athletes to perform in this kind of heat.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Serious question: What is the AO's "extreme heat" (regarding the roof) policy and how did today not qualify?

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Serious question: What is the AO's "extreme heat" (regarding the roof) policy and how did today not qualify?

Only if they suspend play in the outer courts, they close the roof on the main courts.

Apparently, they do not go by the ordinary temperature readings that the weather
forecaster says and can be measured in ordinary way. They go by something
call "Wet Globe Bulb Temperature". Don't ask me what it means.

Also, temperature is not the only factor, they look at a combination of few different
factors. One of the important other factors is humidity.

Once they decide it is time to take action, they do not suspend matches immediately
and wait until the current set is completed.

 

[Front242]

I'm happy the court surface is no longer made from old tires. Everyone would have been in trouble out there yesterday - they'd plant their foot and stick.

Read that the players are taking ice baths before going out to play in order to lower their core temperature. Not healthy to force the athletes to perform in this kind of heat.

Yeah, good thing it's no longer made of tires alright, but either way Novak and Rafa will probably have a Goodyear

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Considering the lack of potential of his half, he'll get mostly night matches. Plus they close the roof if its too hot right?

Schedule is out. They put the aussies for the night session. Novak gets to face the heat.
But, he won't be out there for long. SO, it won't be a problem.

 

[nehmeth]

I'm happy the court surface is no longer made from old tires. Everyone would have been in trouble out there yesterday - they'd plant their foot and stick.

Read that the players are taking ice baths before going out to play in order to lower their core temperature. Not healthy to force the athletes to perform in this kind of heat.

Yeah, good thing it's no longer made of tires alright, but either way Novak and Rafa will probably have a Goodyear

 

[Moxie]

It seems on Tennis Frontier, this is the Year of the Pun. I say, keep it up! :clap :clap

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

temp conversions are as follows..if any folk were wandering what was what in C or F.

32c 90f,
33c 91f,
34c 93f,
35c 95f,
36c 97f,
37c 99f,
38c 100f,
39c 102f,
40c 104f,
41c 106f,
42c 108f,
43c 109f,
44c 111f,
45c 113f.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

..and -40c is -40F...found that out during the recent cold spell.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

So much for Djokovic melting in the heat. He is sizzling in the heat.
Poor Mayer, the heat is giving extra motivation for Novak to humiliate him.

 

[isabelle]

Today a ball boy felt dizzy because of the heat, a player helped him. It becomes really disturbing for everyone

 

[scoop]

Most all the players are handling the heat better than expected. Thought there would be many more like Dancevic, dropping like flies. Amazing durability by these players.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

In some previous post, I described the extreme weather policy informally based on my
understanding. Now, it is time to describe it in official wording. The following is taken
from AO website.

Extreme heat policy
In the event of extreme heat, the Referee has the right to order a rest period and/or suspend play at any time as per the following policy:

•The Australian Open Extreme Heat Policy will be applied at the Referee’s discretion and may be altered at any time;

•At the Referee’s discretion, the Tournament Referee may suspend the commencement of any further matches on outside courts;
•Any matches currently in progress will continue until the end of the current set. At the completion of the set, play will be suspended;

•Where play in any match commences outdoors (or with a roof open), the match will continue until the completion of the set. At the end of the set a decision will be made by the Referee to close to the roof for the remainder of the match and the following matches, where the EHP is still in effect (On Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena);
•A roof will only be closed because of extreme heat if a decision has been made by the Referee to suspend the completion or commencement of matches on the outdoor courts; When the EHP has been implemented, the Tournament Referee will suspend the calling of any further matches on outside courts;

•Supplement: In the Women’s Singles, to allow a 10 minute break between the 2nd and 3rd sets when a WBGT 30.1 reading has been recorded prior to the calling of the match by Tournament Control. Readings are continually made throughout the day.

•For Junior Singles, to allow a 10 minute break and Wheelchair Singles to allow a 15 minute break between the 2nd and 3rd sets, this will be applied at the Referee’s discretion at a pre- determined threshold, prior to the calling of the match by Tournament Control. Readings are continually made throughout the day.

•The break will not apply between the second and third sets if play had previously been suspended after the first set due to EHP.

•During the suspension of play, the Referee will review the conditions and make a decision as to whether the EHP is still in force. A player will be given at least 30 minutes notice prior to the resumption of play. Announcements will be made via the public address system.