Hello everyone and welcome to the live coverage for day seven of the Australian Open, where scorching conditions are set to dominate the action at Melbourne Park. Due to an extreme heat forecast, play will commence at the earlier time of 10:30am local time, with organisers taking precautions to ensure player safety amidst rising temperatures.
Today's Daytime Schedule and Heat Impact
The daytime schedule is heavily focused on the second half of the third round draw, featuring a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Matches are spread across the main arenas, with early starts aiming to avoid the worst of the heat later in the day.
Early Matches at 10:30am
The following matches are scheduled to begin at 10:30am, expected to proceed without major disruptions as temperatures are still manageable:
- Karolina Pliskova versus Madison Keys (9) on Rod Laver Arena
- Jessica Pegula (6) against Oksana Selekhmeteva on Margaret Court Arena
- Lorenzo Musetti (5) facing Tomas Machac on John Cain Arena
- Karen Khachanov (15) taking on Luciano Darderi (22) on Kia Arena
Later Matches and Heat Stress Concerns
As the day progresses, the heat is forecast to intensify significantly. Matches not before 12pm include:
- Eliot Spizzirri versus Jannik Sinner (2) on Rod Laver Arena
- Peyton Stearns against Amanda Anisimova (4) on Margaret Court Arena
- Elise Mertens (21) facing Nikola Bartunkova on John Cain Arena
- Linda Noskova (13) taking on Xinyu Wang on Kia Arena
By noon, temperatures are predicted to exceed 30C, increasing the risk of heat stress contingencies being activated. This could lead to extended breaks or other measures to protect athletes from the harsh conditions.
Afternoon Challenges
The match between Ben Shelton (8) and Valentin Vacherot (30) on Margaret Court Arena is scheduled not before 2:30pm, when the mercury is expected to approach a sweltering 40C. This poses significant challenges for players, potentially affecting performance and endurance on court.
In preparation for the intense conditions, coverage teams are taking their own precautions, such as adjusting air conditioning and using cooling gear. Fans and readers are encouraged to stay engaged with updates throughout the day.
Madison Keys leads the way on what promises to be a gruelling day at Melbourne Park, with all eyes on how competitors adapt to the extreme weather. Stay tuned for further news, insights, and weekend features as the action unfolds.
