Australian Open's Heat Policy: How the Extreme Heat Protocol Works
The Australian Open was poised to implement its Extreme Heat Protocol on Tuesday, as scorching temperatures once again disrupted play at Melbourne Park. With forecasts predicting highs of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), tournament officials prepared to enforce measures designed to safeguard players and spectators from the severe weather conditions.
Understanding the Heat Stress Scale
Introduced in 2019, the Australian Open's Heat Stress Scale operates on a numerical system from 1 to 5. This innovative framework evaluates four critical environmental factors: air temperature, radiant heat, humidity, and wind speed. Developed to ensure consistency across all matches, the scale aims to minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses among athletes.
The protocol establishes clear thresholds for cooling interventions, empowering the tournament referee to take decisive action when necessary. In cases of extreme heat, the referee holds the authority to suspend play or mandate additional cooling breaks to protect player welfare.
Protocol Activation and Match Suspensions
When the Heat Stress Scale reaches level 5, play is automatically suspended for both women's and men's singles matches. The referee may also postpone any upcoming matches scheduled for outdoor courts. Furthermore, if outdoor play has been halted, the referee can decide to close or keep closed the roof on arena courts, such as Rod Laver Arena.
Decisions regarding the resumption of play rest solely with the referee, who must provide each player with at least thirty minutes' notice before matches recommence. This ensures competitors have adequate time to prepare and cool down.
Cooling Breaks and Stadium Adjustments
At level 4 on the Heat Stress Scale, organisers can impose an extra 10-minute break between the second and third sets in women's singles, and between the third and fourth sets in men's singles. However, in arena stadiums, if the roof is closed before the end of the first set in women's singles or before the end of the second set in men's singles, no additional cooling breaks are permitted.
On Tuesday, the roof at Rod Laver Arena was open during Aryna Sabalenka's victory over Iva Jovic but was closed for the subsequent men's quarterfinal between Alexander Zverev and Learner Tien, demonstrating the protocol's flexible application based on real-time conditions.
Spectator Safety Measures
Organisers strongly encouraged attendees to take precautions against the heat, advising the use of hats, sunscreen, and ample water consumption. Spectators were also urged to seek shade, utilise on-site cooling areas, and allow extra time for arrival to avoid heat exposure.
This comprehensive approach underscores the Australian Open's commitment to safety, balancing competitive integrity with health considerations in the face of escalating temperatures.
